MoraBanc Andorra Clinches ACB Survival in OT Thriller Loss to Barça

MoraBanc Andorra secured its place in the ACB league for another season despite a 95-100 overtime loss to Barcelona at Pavelló Toni Martí. The result was overshadowed by Gran Canària's heavy 105-81 defeat at Valencia, which mathematically confirmed the Tricolors' survival midway through the fourth quarter.

A packed Bombonera crowd created an electric atmosphere, with fans waving red wristbands and chanting Gran Carlemany as MoraBanc faced a Barcelona side missing Satoransky and Clyburn but chasing playoff seeding. The visitors struck first, building a 3-12 lead through Youssoupha Fall and triples from Juani Marcos. Coach Žan Tabak called timeout at 5-17, but Kostadinov and Rice sparked a comeback, capped by late triples from Kuric and McKoy for a 15-19 first-quarter score.

MoraBanc drew level multiple times in the second, with Best and Pustovyi closing gaps and Okoye hitting key shots to ignite the arena. Shengelia's buzzer-beater gave Barcelona a 39-41 halftime edge. News of Gran Canària's collapse—down by over 20 early in the third—eased pressure, allowing Okoye to put the hosts ahead briefly at 42-41. Evans emerged as a standout, scoring eight straight points to tie it at 52-52, while Rice and captain Rafa Luz pushed MoraBanc to a 62-61 lead entering the fourth.

Celebrations began as Gran Canària fell 105-81, with fans chanting about staying in ACB. Pons drained a huge triple for 74-70, but Punter's six straight points swung momentum. The game stayed tight, with Pustovyi and Kuric stepping up late to lead 86-83. Punter tied it at 86-86 with a three, and Kuric missed at the buzzer, forcing overtime.

There, Punter's decisive triple and free throws from Shengelia sealed Barcelona's win. MoraBanc shot poorly from three (9/31) and had 21 turnovers but fought throughout.

Scoring:

MoraBanc Andorra (95): Evans 16, Kuric 16, Rice 13, Okoye 10, Pustovyi 10, Luz 6, Pons 7, Kostadinov 7, Best 5, McKoy 5.

Barcelona (100): Punter 26, Shengelia 15, Vesely 12, Brizuela 11, Laprovittola 8, Hernangómez 8, Marcos 7, Fall 6, Cale 3, Parra 4.

Quarters: 15-19, 24-22 (39-41), 23-20 (62-61), 24-25 (86-86), OT: 9-14.

Post-game, players and fans invaded the court for embraces. President Gorka Aixàs said the team never gave up despite a tough season with just 10 wins: "This is our reality and we've managed it." Tabak praised the unity: "We've believed when no one else did." General manager Francesc Solana highlighted fan support, noting crowds grew from 250 in 2010 to sellouts like this one. Zaragoza's last-second win over Lugo also survived, leaving Gran Canària to drop.