Baxi Manresa failed to return from Andorra with a victory, as Ukrainian center Artem Pustovyi led MoraBanc Andorra to a 104-94 win, reigniting hopes of survival.
AND 104 – 94 MAN
**Lineups**
**MORABANC ANDORRA (104):** Shannon Evans II (21), Best (7), Okoye (2), Pons (9), Pustovyi (27) – starting five; Rafa Luz (6), McKoy (5), Sir’Jabari Rice (22), Kuric (3), Kostadinov (2), ‘Chumi’ Ortega (-), Rubén Guerrero (-).
**BAXI MANRESA (94):** Ferran Bassas (19), Duke Jr. (4), Álex Reyes (15), Knudsen (8), Pierre Oriola (5) – starting five; Steinbergs (9), Dani Pérez (-), Obasohan (18), Agustín Ubal (11), Akobundu (3), Paulicap (2), Gerard Fernández (-).
**Referees:** Luis Miguel Castillo, Alfonso Olivares, Alberto Baena. No ejections.
**Incidents:** Match corresponding to Matchday 30 of the ACB League, played at the Toni Martí Pavilion in Andorra la Vella before 3,519 spectators. A minute of silence was observed for ‘Piculín’ Ortiz, former Festina Andorra center from the 1992-1993 season.
The home team tied in wins with Casademont Zaragoza, Dreamland Gran Canaria, and Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos.
The Principality side jumped to a 19-12 lead after a 2+1 by Artem Pustovyi, who scored his seventh point. The worst news for the hosts was accumulating personal fouls, with two each for Aaron Best and Kostadinov.
From 26-20, after Agustín Ubal entered the court and scored 11 points, Baxi Manresa woke up and tied the game at 26. McKoy hit a three-pointer, and Álex Reyes closed the first quarter 29-28.
In the second ten minutes, Zan Tabak’s squad used an 11-1 run when the score was tied at 37-37, reaching their biggest lead at 48-38 (+10). Improved defense, Shannon Evans II’s scoring leadership, and Artem Pustovyi’s dominance in the paint were key to the hosts’ control.
After the break, MoraBanc extended their lead to +13 (75-62) thanks to Pustovyi’s overwhelming presence inside and Sir’Jabari Rice’s scoring outburst. Tabak’s team then faced a 1-8 run with three-pointers from Álex Reyes and Ferran Bassas that cut the deficit to six (76-70). The hosts responded with a Kostadinov dunk, sparking an 11-2 run that pushed the lead to 87-72 (+15). The third quarter ended 87-73.
An 8-0 run by Baxi Manresa raised hopes of a comeback at 87-81, but a three-pointer by Yves Pons halted the visitors’ momentum. Diego Ocampo’s side could not overcome the hosts’ defensive intensity and offensive efficiency.
A Ferran Bassas three-pointer with 2:18 left made it 98-91. Sir’Jabari Rice then sealed the win with a triple, securing a 104-94 victory that keeps their survival hopes alive.
