Barcelona Edges MoraBanc Andorra 101-96 in OT for Encamp Trophy

FC Barcelona defeated MoraBanc Andorra 101-96 in overtime to claim the VIII Trofeu d'Encamp title during a closely fought preseason match at Complex Esportiu d'Encamp.

The tricolor squad held its own against the blaugrana throughout regulation time, with the scoreline reflecting constant shifts and no team able to pull away decisively. The game headed to a tight finish, forcing five extra minutes where Barcelona proved sharper in the clutch moments to secure the win. Despite the loss, MoraBanc left a strong impression against top-tier opposition in front of the Encamp crowd.

Both teams entered the contest amid roster rebuilds. Barcelona opened with a lead built on three-pointers from Tyrese Martin and Oriol Parra, ahead 16-26 after the first quarter despite efforts from Artem Pustovyi and others for MoraBanc.

MoraBanc turned momentum in the second period as 17-year-old Luka Bottiroli exploded off the bench, tallying eight points in under three minutes with a triple and drives to spark a surge. The hosts grabbed a 48-46 halftime edge on a 27-20 quarter. Martin led Barcelona with 16 points before the break.

Tension mounted in the third as Barcelona countered with a 2-13 run from Parra, Ebrima Nebo, Timothee Umude and Aleksander Balcerowski for a 52-59 advantage. MoraBanc hit back via threes from David Best and Garrick Kuric, plus Pustovyi's interior work, to lead 71-65.

The fourth quarter featured deep rotations and repeated ties, with James Nkamhoua, Nebo and Dwayne Sutton exchanging scores. MoraBanc, down 80-85 late, rallied through Wesley Iwundu, James Akinjo and Justin Robinson to draw level at 86-86. Andrew Robertson's layup at the buzzer sent it to overtime at 88-88.

Barcelona took control in the extra frame. Jaden Gibson opened scoring, and after Best and Bottiroli tied it at 94-94, Umude's three-point play and Nkamhoua's free throws closed out the 101-96 result. MoraBanc's late basket from Aquino fell short.

Bottiroli stood out with his composure, while Robertson topped MoraBanc's scoring with 13 points and Kuric added 12. Martin paced Barcelona. The fixture showcased preseason testing for overhauled lineups. Encamp's cònsol major, Laura Mas, handed over the trophy.

The tournament continues on Friday, September 11 at 19:00 with Cadí La Seu facing Toulouse Métropole Basket. Tickets remain available, with proceeds from both games supporting Càritas Andorrana, according to the ANA.