Unicaja Malaga Faces MoraBanc Andorra In High-Stakes Liga Endesa Clash

The Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena is set to host a high-stakes Liga Endesa clash on February 7, 2026, as Unicaja Malaga welcomes MoraBanc Andorra in Round 19. With tip-off scheduled for 19:00 CET, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as Unicaja looks to extend its impressive home dominance, while Andorra fights to climb out of the lower rungs of the standings. Both teams come into the contest with plenty on the line, and recent developments on and off the court add extra intrigue to this matchup.

Unicaja Malaga enters the fixture riding a wave of momentum, having notched a hard-fought 98-92 road victory over Manresa in their latest Liga Endesa outing. That win marked Unicaja’s fourth consecutive triumph, a streak that has solidified their position near the top of the table. Currently, Unicaja sits with a 12-6 record, tied for third place alongside Murcia and Barcelona, and trailing only Real Madrid and Valencia. Their recent form is even more impressive considering the adversity the squad has faced, including a string of injuries and the departure of Xavier Castaneda.

Head coach Ibon Navarro has been the architect of Unicaja’s resurgence, guiding the team to seven trophies over the last three years. Despite missing key contributors such as David Kravish, Killian Tillie, and Alberto Diaz due to injury, Navarro’s system of balanced minutes and collective effort has kept the team competitive. In response to these setbacks, Unicaja moved swiftly in the transfer market, signing Justin Cobbs to bolster their rotation. "Because of this, the club will explore the market in search of a player who could help the team at this moment," Navarro stated, underscoring the club’s ambition and adaptability.

Statistically, Unicaja’s approach is paying dividends. The team averages 88 points per game, with 18.8 assists, and allows just 84.5 points per contest. Their offensive efficiency shines through with 116 points scored per 100 possessions, slightly above the league average, while they concede 113 points per 100 possessions on defense. No player averages more than 21 minutes per game, highlighting the depth and versatility of the roster. Leading the way are Chris Duarte, Kendrick Perry, and Aleksander Balcerowski, each averaging double figures and providing the scoring punch needed to keep Unicaja’s attack humming.

In their recent win over Manresa, Kendrick Perry was the standout performer, tallying 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, earning ACB Player of the Round honors. Chris Duarte and Aleksander Balcerowski matched Perry’s scoring output with 17 points apiece, while the team shot an efficient 50.8% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range, and 85.7% from the free throw line. Unicaja’s defensive discipline was also on display, as they forced 12 turnovers and 27 fouls from their opponents, making crucial stops in the game’s closing moments.

On the other side, MoraBanc Andorra arrives in Malaga with renewed confidence after snapping a demoralizing seven-game losing streak. Their 94-78 home win over Gran Canaria was not just a statistical outlier—it was a statement. Under the guidance of new head coach Zan Tabak, who took over following the resignation of Joan Plaza, Andorra delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. Five players scored in double figures, with Shannon Eugene Evans leading the charge with 16 points and 7 assists. The team shot a robust 48.4% from the field, 41.4% from deep, and 83.3% from the charity stripe, while also controlling the boards and forcing 10 turnovers.

Despite this recent success, Andorra’s season has been a struggle. They currently hold a 5-13 record, sitting 16th in the standings, just two wins clear of the relegation zone. Offensively, Andorra averages 84.8 points per game and 15.6 assists, but it’s their defense that has been the Achilles’ heel. The team allows 91.8 points per game and owns the worst defensive rating in Liga Endesa, conceding 121.8 points per 100 possessions. As the numbers suggest, Andorra’s path to victory depends on whether they can replicate their recent defensive intensity and maintain balanced scoring across the roster.

Head coach Tabak has already made an impression. In the win over Gran Canaria, he managed to coax a "shock reaction" from his players, as described by Basketball Sphere. Five players reached double digits, and the team’s energy on both ends of the floor was palpable. Shannon Evans, who averages 13.8 points and 5.8 assists per game, remains the focal point of Andorra’s offense, but the likes of Jose Francisco Ortega, Stanley Okoye, Ruben Guerrero Pino, and Yves Pons will need to step up to keep pace with Unicaja’s depth.

Historically, Unicaja has dominated the head-to-head matchup, winning four of the last five encounters against Andorra. The home-court advantage at Martin Carpena cannot be overstated—Unicaja’s control of tempo, deeper rotation, and defensive discipline have made them a formidable opponent in front of their fans. Andorra, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their recent momentum, hoping that Tabak’s arrival has sparked a lasting turnaround.

From a tactical perspective, Unicaja’s ability to share the ball and get contributions from across the roster is a significant strength. Kendrick Perry’s leadership at point guard, combined with the scoring prowess of Duarte and Balcerowski, gives the team multiple options on offense. Defensively, Unicaja’s rebounding and ability to force turnovers could prove decisive, especially against an Andorra team that has struggled to protect its own basket.

As for Andorra, the key will be sustaining the defensive improvements seen against Gran Canaria and finding ways to disrupt Unicaja’s rhythm. If Evans can control the tempo and get his teammates involved early, Andorra might just hang around and make things interesting. But given their season-long defensive woes, it’s a tall order to contain one of the league’s most balanced attacks for a full 40 minutes.

With both teams eager to make a statement as the season progresses, this matchup promises intensity and drama. Unicaja is aiming to solidify its place among the league’s elite and stay in contention for the Copa del Rey, while Andorra is fighting for survival and to prove that their recent win was no fluke. Fans tuning in will be treated to a clash of styles, with Unicaja’s methodical execution pitted against Andorra’s newfound energy under Tabak.

As the teams prepare to tip off, all eyes will be on Malaga to see if Unicaja can extend their home dominance or if Andorra can pull off another surprise and keep their hopes of climbing the table alive. One thing’s for sure—this is a must-watch battle in the heart of Liga Endesa action.