MoraBanc Andorra Faces Tough Unicaja Málaga Test in Physical Battle

MoraBanc Andorra travels to Unicaja Málaga this Saturday at 19:00 in the Martín Carpena arena for a demanding physical battle, with coach Žan Tabak demanding sustained defensive execution and collective effort to build on their recent win over Dreamland Gran Canària.

Tabak dismissed any notion of treating Unicaja differently, despite their strong home form and current fifth-place standing with a 12-6 record, tied with Barça and UCAM Murcia. "All opponents are tough, and we can beat any of them," he said. "We're not going to Málaga for tourism—we'll give maximum effort to win." He described Unicaja as a deep, physical team under Ibon Navarro that moves the ball effectively, especially at home, following four straight league victories and solid Basketball Champions League play. The venue demands preparation for intense duels, where defence will prove decisive over offensive output.

MoraBanc previously dominated 98-74 at the Pavelló Toni Martí on 8 November, powered by Stan Okoye's 17 points and Artem Pustovyi's 16, while Chris Duarte led Unicaja with 17. Tabak views that game as a reference for building confidence but warns of the thin line between assurance and complacency. "That win can boost us, but it also risks relaxation," he cautioned. "We need to stay alert, endure the physical challenge, and focus on defensive details." Training featured varied intensity, with no individual blame: "We succeed or fail as a unit."

Injuries persist, with Kyle Kuric sidelined by hamstring troubles after missing the Gran Canaria match, and Xavier Castañeda sidelined until April despite starting light court work. The club is narrowing combo guard options, now down to contract and budget negotiations. Tabak shrugged off absences: "I won't waste energy on the injured—better to maximise those ready."

Tabak returns to a venue rich in history. He joined Unicaja in summer 2004 at age 34 from Joventut Badalona, playing just six games (5.5 points, 3.33 rebounds in 14 minutes) due to injuries before retiring. Highlights included the 2005 Copa del Rey triumph in Zaragoza—his final competitive appearance on 13 March 2005 against Pamesa Valencia—and coaching his last ACB game there in November 2021, a loss with Hereda San Pablo Burgos that led to his dismissal. "Málaga holds many good memories—my last pro team, where I stayed to live after retiring," he said. Club figures like Paco Aurioles and Mario Bárbara remain. Adaptation continues: "I need more games to fully know this group. For now, extract the most from what we have."

Elsewhere, Pustovyi will mark his 300th ACB appearance across six teams.