Monbus Obradoiro staged a comeback to defeat host MoraBanc Andorra 90-85 in the ACB League season opener
at Toni Martí arena. Andorra's strong start faded as Obradoiro dominated the final quarter.
Key Points
- Andorra led 27-14 after first quarter with triples from Ortega and Best, strong play by Robertson, Iwundu.
- Obradoiro rallied in second quarter, outscoring 29-19 to trail 46-43 at halftime behind Childress and Dos Anjos.
- Childress (18 pts) led Obradoiro's late surge with Dos Anjos (12), Meindl (12); Andorra's top: Robertson (15), Iwundu (12).
- Game at Pavelló Toni Martí featured pre-game fan events, tribute to ex-player Dos Anjos.
MoraBanc Andorra Falls Short in ACB Season Opener Against Obradoiro
MoraBanc Andorra lost 85-90 to Monbus Obradoiro in their Liga ACB debut at Pavelló Toni Martí, despite a dominant start that saw them lead by 13 points.
The home side opened strongly, surging to a 27-14 lead after the first quarter with key contributions from Chumi Ortega's triples, Aaron Best's outside shooting, and strong play from Kassius Robertson and Justin Iwundu. Andorrans controlled rebounds and transitioned quickly, echoing their preseason form. Artem Pustovyi and Fuad Radosevic anchored the paint, while James Akinjo distributed effectively.
Obradoiro mounted a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring Andorra 29-19 behind Brandon Childress and Felipe Dos Anjos. The visitors narrowed the gap to three points at halftime (46-43), exposing Andorran lapses in focus.
The third quarter kept the game tight, with Akinjo stepping up alongside Robertson and Best to push the lead to 70-65 entering the fourth. However, Obradoiro seized control late, fueled by Dos Anjos, Meindl's triples, and Barrueta's shooting. Childress sealed the win with crucial late baskets, including his second three-pointer, as Andorra faded to trail by nine with under a minute left.
Standouts for MoraBanc included Robertson (15 points), Iwundu (12), Akinjo (11), Pustovyi (10), and Radosevic (10). Obradoiro's Childress led with 18, supported by Soriano (15), Dos Anjos and Meindl (12 each), and Barrueta (11). Partials: 27-14, 46-43, 70-65, 85-90.
Pre-game festivities featured a fan zone, Ishtar Ruiz singing the anthem, and glowing blue light sticks during player intros. The club honored returning ex-player Dos Anjos with a plaque from captain Rafa Luz and observed a minute's silence for late union leader Gabriel Ubach. Absences included Cameron McGriff and Rati Andronikashvili due to testing.
Coach Zan Tabak's rebuilt squad showed promise from newcomers but struggled with second-half disconnects. Upcoming challenges include away games at Joventut and Unicaja.
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