MoraBanc Andorra Beats Gran Canària 94-78 in Tabak's Debut

MoraBanc Andorra secured a 94-78 win over Dreamland Gran Canària at the Pavelló Toni Martí, marking new coach Žan Tabak's debut and snapping a seven-game losing streak in front of 3,426 fans. The fifth ACB victory of the season came through a decisive fourth quarter, broad scoring, and improved defensive intensity, despite Gran Canària's injury absences including Kyle Kuric, Andrew Albicy, and Khalifa Diop McKoy late in the game.

Andorra started strong with triples from Oriol Pons and Shannon Evans for an 8-4 lead. Gran Canària replied from range via Kassius Robertson and Carlos Alocén to take an 8-12 advantage, but an 8-2 interior surge by Artem Pustovyi and Kennedy Udeze shifted momentum. Consecutive threes from Rafa Luz and Aaron Best prompted a timeout at 22-16, with McKoy's entry helping close the first quarter ahead 29-25.

A defensive push sparked a 10-0 run early in the second—Evans, Udeze, Pustovyi, and Luz contributing—as Gran Canària went scoreless for nearly five minutes, peaking at 45-30 on Luz's plays and rebounding control. Nico Brussino, Oliver Zamar, and Vincent Labeyrie narrowed it to 47-41 at halftime.

The third quarter remained tight, with Alberto Salvó's 2+1 plays countered by Chumi Okoye's responses for a 55-51 Andorra edge. Mike Tobey closed to one point, but Luz stabilized from the bench with Pustovyi and Evans adding late, entering the fourth at 66-61.

McKoy's injury exit opened the final frame; Pons hit a corner three for 69-61. Tabak challenged referee calls, including a missed foul on Evans and one on Pustovyi (now at four fouls). Gran Canària struggled amid disputes, with Best scoring four straight at 77-69 (3:22 remaining). David Ortega converted free throws for 79-69, and Best's triple made it 84-72. Pustovyi fouled out to cheers after extending the lead, as Evans, McKoy, and others closed from the line.

Tabak credited players and predecessor Joan Plaza post-game, saying they took "a small step" and must "keep building." He praised the crowd's support and noted the pressure relief evident in the locker room. Chumi Ortega called it a win that lifted "a backpack full of stones," while Rafa Luz warned, "We haven't done anything yet—we've just won one game and need more." The result creates a two-win buffer over relegation-threatened Burgos.

**Scoring summary** **MoraBanc Andorra (94):** Evans 16, Pustovyi 15, Best 14, Udeze 12, Luz 10, Okoye 9, McKoy 8, Pons 6, Ortega 2, Kostadinov 2. Coach: Žan Tabak. **Dreamland Gran Canària (78):** Wong 18, Alocén 9, Brussino 9, Tobey 9, Salvó 8, Labeyrie 8, Zamar 7, Pelos 5, Robertson 4, Kuath 1. Coach: Jaka Lakovič. **Quarters:** 29-25, 47-41, 66-61, 94-78. **Referees:** Jordi Aliaga, Juan de Dios Oyón, Raúl Zamorano. **Fouled out:** Pustovyi (Andorra).