MEDINA (Saudi Arabia) - DeMarco Dickerson is never one to shy away from big moments.
The star winger, in fact, would even ask for it at times, just like what he did on Tuesday night when he saved Sharjah SC from losing again to the star-studded Al Ula Club in the 2025-26 FIBA WASL-Gulf League.
In easily one of the season's best plays, the UAE men's team star nailed a triple off a Wael Arakji foul and sank the bonus for a rare four-point play with 4.9 seconds left to eventually tow his side to the 101-100 victory.
We can compete on this stage.
Dickerson manifested as much, actually, thus his immense gratitude that everything went their way even when things appeared bleak when they found themselves staring at a 97-100 deficit with 16.1 seconds to go.
"I already had it in my head that we will win this game in regulation or overtime," he said. "Once I saw we were able to take it to overtime I told Coach to put the ball in my hands to make the right decision, and he did."
"Not only that, my teammates had trust in me to make the right decision. And going for three was the best decision," added the 28-year-old, who played all 40 minutes and finished with 29 points.
Dickerson and Sharjah couldn't be any happier to have reigned triumphant in Medina, as they gained a measure of payback against the same team that spoiled their WASL debut back in October 14 by way of a 104-78 rout.
As harrowing as that loss was, that also made the whole crew believe that they have a chance to compete against one of this season's more watched clubs. They actually went toe-to-toe early until the fourth quarter came.
Al Ula erupted for 38 points in the said period, with Arakji and Jonathan Gibson showing the way as the 1-2 combo went on to finish with 35 and 38 points, respectively, with the latter firing a total of 10 three-pointers.
"If people really watched our first encounter with Al Ula, we were actually playing well," Dickerson said. "And then of course, the experience of those guys on the team like Wael, Gibson, and Thon [Maker] just showed up."
It was almost the same case in their rematch when Gibson and Arakji spearheaded the Saudi Arabia side's offense yet again, but team play indeed trumped as much with plenty of weapons delivering for Sharjah.
Sure, Dickerson came through with the game-winning play, but those such as Glenn Robinson (32 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists), Mahmoud Alsawan, and Ahmed Albreiki provided significant contributions as well.
"I think Coach prepared us properly mentally to remind us, 'Hey we only lost two quarters against them in the first meeting. This game, let's just put a complete game together.' And that’s all we did," he said.
"To be honest, this game felt like a heavyweight chess match. Good moves after good moves, just see who was going to have the better endgame. That’s all. But I’m very proud of our guys," Dickerson added.
Sharjah have earned their second win in four outings following the result and as gratifying as it was to exact revenge, beating Al Ula was also the newcomers' way of proving that they belong in the pan-regional meet.
"Getting our second win in WASL is showing that we can compete on this stage. It’s giving a lot of guys confidence going forward - from coaches, to players, and to the fans," Dickerson said.
"I mean, people have to realize this is Sharjah's first year in WASL, so we're still learning and growing. I think the main objective is just having fun with each game and enjoying these moments," he added.
FIBA