Artem Pustovyi, the Ukrainian center, scored 27 points to lead MoraBanc Andorra to a crucial 104-94 victory over Baxi Manresa, keeping their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. The win lifts Andorra to nine wins on the season, tying them with Casademont Zaragoza, Dreamland Gran Canaria, and Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos. Meanwhile, the Catalan side remains at 12 wins, maintaining a three-game cushion above the relegation zone.
Andorra started strong, taking a 19-12 lead in the first quarter after a 2+1 play by Pustovyi, who scored his seventh point. However, early foul trouble for Aaron Best and Kostadinov allowed Manresa to fight back. Agustín Ubal helped tie the game, and a triple from McKoy, followed by a basket from Álex Reyes, left the score at 29-28 after the opening period.
In the second quarter, Zan Tabak’s team went on an 11-1 run, turning a 37-37 tie into a 48-38 lead, their biggest of the half. Strong defense, Shannon Evans II’s scoring, and Pustovyi’s dominance in the paint were key factors.
After the break, Andorra extended their lead to 13 points (75-62), with Pustovyi controlling the paint and Sir’Jabari Rice adding points. But Manresa responded with a 1-8 run, including a triple from Álex Reyes and another from Ferran Bassas, cutting the deficit to 76-70.
Andorra regained control as Kostadinov’s dunk sparked an 11-2 run, making it 87-72, their largest lead. Manresa answered with a 0-8 run to close within 87-81, but Yves Pons stopped the rally with a three-pointer. Down the stretch, Diego Ocampo’s team could not overcome Andorra’s defensive intensity and accurate shooting. With 2:18 left, Ferran Bassas hit a triple to make it 98-91, but Sir’Jabari Rice sealed the win with a three-pointer of his own, giving Andorra a vital victory in their fight for survival.
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