Monbus Obradoiro staged a comeback to defeat host MoraBanc Andorra 90-85 in the ACB League season opener

MoraBanc Andorra lost 85-90 to Monbus Obradoiro in the Liga ACB season opener at Pavelló Toni Martí, despite holding the lead for most of the match and entering the final quarter ahead.

The home side started strongly, building a 27-14 first-quarter lead with sharp defense, quick ball movement and a 14-2 run. Chumi Ortega drained consecutive threes, Artem Pustovyi dominated inside, and Aaron Best added from distance. Lazar Mutić capped the period with a buzzer-beating triple.

Obradoiro clawed back in the second quarter via interior play from Brandon Childress and Caleb Agada, narrowing the gap to 42-41. Andorra responded with key plays, including six straight points from Leon Radosevic and an alley-oop from James Akinjo to the Croatian center, securing a 46-43 halftime edge.

The third quarter saw Andorra regain momentum through outside shooting from Best, Kyle Kuric and Akinjo, stretching the advantage to 68-58 and 70-65 at the break. Obradoiro stayed in contention throughout.

The visitors seized control in the fourth, starting with six points from Felipe Dos Anjos for their first lead at 70-71. Leo Meindl and Yunio Barrueta followed with threes to push it to 74-77. Childress sealed the win with a late triple as Andorra struggled to score in crucial stretches.

Standout performers for Andorra included Kassius Robertson and Pustovyi with 12 points apiece, Akinjo with 11 points and seven rebounds, Justin Iwundu with 12, and Radosevic with 10. Obradoiro's Childress led with 18 points, Álex Soriano added 15, Dos Anjos and Meindl 12 each, and Barrueta 11. Quarter scores: 27-14, 46-43, 70-65, 85-90.

Pre-game highlights featured a fan zone, Ishtar Ruiz singing the anthem, blue light sticks for player intros, a plaque for returning ex-player Dos Anjos from captain Rafa Luz, and a minute's silence for union leader Gabriel Ubach. Andorra sat out Cameron McGriff and Rati Andronikashvili due to testing.

Coach Zan Tabak pointed to physical lapses post-game, noting insufficient stamina, players not fully fit and limited preseason work. The new-look squad showed early promise but lost cohesion and energy in the hot arena. Next games are away to Joventut and Unicaja.