One Shot, One Point, One Heartbreaker: UAE NT Survive a Thriller Against Al Ittihad and qualifies to Final

Some games are decided early. Others stay close. And then there are games like this one — the kind that keeps everyone on edge until the very last possession.

In a dramatic clash at the Dubai Basketball Championship 2026, UAE National Team edged Al Ittihad Libya 97–96 in a game that had everything: big shots, momentum swings, star performances, and a heartbreaking finish for the Libyan side.

Image : FIBA

From the opening tip, both teams made it clear this would be a battle.

Al Ittihad started strong, taking the first quarter 24–21 behind aggressive drives and solid interior finishing. UAE answered in the second quarter, tightening their defense and moving the ball well to narrow the gap, but Al Ittihad still entered halftime with a slim 53–47 lead.

The third quarter turned into a trading-buckets affair. Every UAE run was matched by an Al Ittihad response, as neither team managed to create real separation. Heading into the final quarter, the scoreboard reflected how evenly matched these teams were.

Then came the fourth.

UAE found an extra gear offensively, scoring 26 points in the quarter, but Al Ittihad refused to fade. The lead changed hands multiple times, and every possession felt heavy.

With seconds left, UAE managed to squeeze out a one-point advantage — and that was all they needed.

Final score: UAE NT 97, Al Ittihad 96.

At the center of this classic was Dickerson, who delivered a sensational performance for UAE:

• 34 points

• 8 assists

• 36 minutes

• Game-high efficiency (33)

Time after time, Dickerson created offense, whether by attacking the rim, pulling up, or finding teammates. When UAE needed composure, he provided it. When they needed a bucket, he delivered.

He was brilliantly supported by A. Criswell, who added 27 points and 7 rebounds, while M. Ndiaye contributed 14 points and 5 assists. UAE also showed excellent ball movement, finishing with 27 assists as a team.

On the other side, Al Ittihad left everything on the floor.

Dion Dixon was outstanding, pouring in 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while M. Sadi added 23 points and 6 assists. Al Ittihad shot over 50% from the field and dominated the glass (38 rebounds), numbers that usually translate into wins.

But basketball can be cruel.

One missed shot.

One defensive lapse.

One extra free throw.

That was the difference.

This game was a reminder of why tournaments like the Dubai Championship matter. High-level competition, international matchups, and players stepping up under pressure.

For UAE, it’s a confidence-boosting win that shows their ability to close tight games.

For Al Ittihad, it’s a painful loss — but also proof that they can compete with anyone in this tournament.

And as for Dickerson…

What a player.

What a performance.

What a night.