MoraBanc Andorra Falls 96-101 in OT to Barça in Preseason Opener

BC MoraBanc Andorra opened its 2026-2027 preseason with a 96-101 overtime loss to Barça at the eighth Trofeu d’Encamp on Thursday, delivering positive impressions despite the defeat.

Coach Zan Tabak praised several aspects of the performance after the game, noting that "many good things we’re working on were already visible." He added that the team still needs improvement, particularly for newer players unaccustomed to ACB competition, and stressed the value of match experience to grasp the league’s physical demands. Regarding 17-year-old academy product Luka Bottiroli, who played limited minutes but scored 13 points while sparking key runs, Tabak said the club will develop him for potential rotation next season.

The Andorran team, with seven newcomers under Tabak and assistant Jordi Ardèvol after 15 days of training, showed physicality, bursts of speed, and mobility. Point guard Jaylen Akinjo emerged as the primary playmaker, backed by perimeter scoring threats and interior size. Notably absent was forward Cameron McGriff, a potential leader who sat out the match.

Barça, with 11 new additions under Aleksander Sekulic and just one week of practice, took an early 11-21 lead behind Nkamhoua’s aggression. MoraBanc rallied in the first quarter with Luz’s three-pointer, Martin’s consecutive triples, and baskets from Radosevic and Iwundu, trailing 21-26.

Exchanges continued in the second, with Kuric and Robertson matching Nebo and Balcerowski. Bottiroli ignited a 10-0 bench run, flipping the score to 43-38 and prompting a Barça timeout, before halftime arrived at 48-48.

MoraBanc led the third through Kuric’s outside shooting and Pustovyi’s paint presence. Barça rallied in the fourth on Brizuela’s captaincy, with Núñez’s drive making it 80-85 late. Robertson’s efforts forced overtime at 88-88.

In the extra session, Gibson overcame a quiet game, aided by Nkamhoua and Umude, to seal the victory.

MoraBanc continues preparations for the Lliga Catalana in Tarragona on Wednesday and Thursday, ahead of its ACB opener on September 26 against Obradoiro at home.