Jerrick Harding’s Morabanc Andorra achieved a valuable victory against Dreamland Gran Canaria, with a final score of 94-106. This win helps Andorra move away from the relegation zone, while Gran Canaria remains in the lower area of the Playoff ACB. Harding, the top scorer in the Endesa League, played a crucial role in the team’s success, scoring 24 points with a 60% success rate in three-pointers and a valuation of 23.
The game started with both teams evenly matched, each trying to take the initiative. Andorra’s Felipe Dos Anjos and Doubouya used their athletic ability to try and gain the upper hand, while Gran Canaria relied on the experience of Mike Tobey and the success of Nico Brussino from the exterior. Brussino scored 12 points in the first quarter, allowing Gran Canaria to open a small gap in the score. Despite attempts from Andorra’s Bassas and Kuric to minimize the difference, Gran Canaria maintained a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Gran Canaria’s success from the perimeter allowed them to stretch their lead to 12 points. Andorra tried to respond with Kuric and Harding, but the gap continued to grow, reaching 18 points with 5:07 remaining in the half. Harding remained the main bulwark of the Andorranos, scoring from both the outside and inside, but the team’s lack of success from the three-point line hindered their ability to close the gap. Gran Canaria maintained a nine-point lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw a change in dynamics, with Nacho Llovet and Chumi Ortega helping to revitalize the Andorra team. A triple from Doumbouya brought the score to 56-54, forcing Gran Canaria’s coach, Jaka Lakovic, to call a timeout. However, Andorra continued to push, with Doumbouya resetting the score at 56-56. The quarter ended with Andorra taking the lead, thanks in part to the efforts of Kyle Kuric and Ferrán Bassas, who caused problems for the Gran Canaria defense.
In the final quarter, Andorra maintained their lead, with Okoye making a crucial triple to put the team up by 11 points. Despite a late push from Gran Canaria, led by Brussino and Salvó, Andorra held on to secure the victory. The win helps Andorra gain oxygen in their struggle for permanence, while Gran Canaria remains in a difficult position in the playoff standings.
Technical File
The technical details of the game are as follows:
Dreamland Gran Canaria scored 94 points, with the starting quintet consisting of Albicy, Shurna, Brussino, Thomason, and Tobey. The team’s coach is Jaka Lakovic.
Morabanc Andorra scored 106 points, with the starting quintet consisting of Evans, Harding, Okoye, Dos Anjos, and Doubouya. The team’s coach is Joan Plaza.
The referees for the game were Rafael Serrano, Rubén Sánchez Mohedas, and Yasmina Alcaraz, who eliminated the visiting player Stan Okoye.
The game was played at the Gran Canaria Arena in front of approximately 6,255 spectators. Before the game, the Claretian club honored visiting player Ferrán Bassas, who played for the island team, with a commemorative plaque.