MoraBanc Andorra Falls 85-90 to Real Madrid, Extends Losing Streak to Five

MoraBanc Andorra lost 85-90 to ACB leaders Real Madrid at Pavelló Toni Martí, extending their losing streak to five in a match that showcased growing competitiveness despite the defeat.

The hosts started strongly, building a 17-7 lead with sharp play from Shannon Evans and debutant Xavier Castañeda, who scored 16 points in the first half on 5-of-7 three-point shooting. Andorra led 21-13 after the opening quarter as Madrid shot poorly (4-of-17 from the field, 0-of-7 from three), fatigued from a midweek EuroLeague clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Castañeda sparked a 33-23 edge midway through the second, but Madrid rallied to trail 41-40 at halftime.

The third quarter stayed close, with Andorra ahead 52-50 on an Aaron Best three amid crowd chants of "Así gana el Madrid" over officiating. Madrid pulled ahead 58-61 entering the fourth. Kostadinov leveled it at 64-64 early, but Madrid stretched to 72-78 with four minutes left. Andorra fought back: Castañeda drew Edy Tavares' fifth foul, closing to 78-82 at 1:43 before leaving with a hamstring strain; Kyle Kuric's corner three made it 81-82 with just over a minute remaining.

Madrid then went perfect from the line, hitting 13-of-13 in the fourth (20 total, contributing 29 points), while Andorra turnovers from Evans and others proved decisive. Sergio Llull, Mario Hezonja, and Theo Maledon closed it out, with Hezonja's free throws sealing the win. Kostadinov and Tavares both fouled out.

**MoraBanc Andorra (85):** Evans 8, Best 4, Okoye 8, Kostadinov 10, Pustovyi 12; Ortega 5, Kuric 9, Castañeda 21, McKoy 7, Udeze 1, Guerrero 0. **Real Madrid (90):** Feliz 4, Llull 9, Hezonja 14, Okeke 9, Tavares 13; Len 10, Lyles 8, Maledon 11, Abalde 10, Procida 2. **Partials:** 21-13, 41-40, 58-61, 85-90. **Referees:** Conde, Oyón, Alcaraz. Attendance: 3,922.

A packed crowd in blue club T-shirts—distributed to members as coach Joan Plaza had urged—supported throughout. Post-match, Plaza praised the effort: "We draw positive conclusions. The team works, but we need to win—that's the reality. It's about experience and staying concentrated." Tired of moral victories, he added, "I'm fed up with giving a good image and losing," noting Madrid's 20 fourth-quarter free throws without dwelling on calls. "We can't afford gifts that don't depend on us."

Players echoed optimism. Kostadinov said the team is "there" and needs "just that final touch." Kuric stressed continuing the path shown against Valencia, Baskonia, and Madrid. Ortega highlighted solid work ahead of upcoming games. Castañeda's hamstring injury requires assessment, with Plaza calling it potentially serious but awaiting tests.

Andorra remain one win above relegation after Burgos' loss, hosting Río Breogán Saturday at 19:00.