On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Surne Bilbao Basket faced off against MoraBanc Andorra in a highly anticipated Liga Endesa matchup that was deemed crucial for both teams. With the first game of the FIBA Europe Cup final against PAOK looming on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Bilbao's head coach Jaume Ponsarnau emphasized the importance of this game in securing their place in the league while also preparing for the upcoming European clash.
"This game has to serve us to be better and prepare for what we have next week. I hope the team has the right mentality and motivation," Ponsarnau stated during the pre-game press conference. The stakes were high, with Bilbao looking to solidify their position in the standings and improve their chances for European competition next season.
Bilbao entered the game with some injury concerns. Tryggvi Hlinason remained sidelined, and captain Xavi Rabaseda was ruled out due to a fever. However, the return of Marvin Jones, who had been recovering from a sprain, provided a significant boost to the team. "Marvin is an athlete in every sense and has been able to return quickly. He is excited to adapt to the current reality of the team, which may suit his characteristics well," Ponsarnau added.
As the game progressed, the tension was palpable. The third quarter ended with MoraBanc Andorra leading 64-61, having outscored Bilbao 25-20 in that period. Both teams struggled with their three-point shooting, with Bilbao hitting 8 out of 20 attempts, while Andorra managed 8 out of 21. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with the score tied at 58-58 just two minutes before the end of the third quarter.
Bilbao's offense was spearheaded by Shannon Evans and Rafa Luz, both of whom contributed significantly to the team's scoring efforts. Doumbouya, Evans, and Luz were the top scorers of the game at that point, each with 11 points. On the other hand, Gielo led Bilbao with 10 points, showcasing the team's depth and ability to share the scoring load. Ponsarnau noted that the focus on distributing the ball and shots among more players was a deliberate strategy to enhance their offensive output.
Meanwhile, Andorra, under the guidance of coach Joan Plaza, had adopted a more dynamic and solid style of play, emphasizing defense and rebounding since his arrival. Plaza was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by Bilbao, stating, "They won’t come distracted by the final on Wednesday. They have their eyes on this game, which is important for both teams. Their salvation, like ours, is not yet secured."
Despite their struggles this season, Andorra had shown flashes of brilliance and resilience, particularly with the contributions of players like Kyle Kuric and Jerrick Harding, who had been pivotal in their scoring. Plaza expressed his desire for his team to remain focused and solid in their defensive efforts, stating, "We need to be very solid on defense. There are many numbers that expose us, and one of them will be to dominate the offensive rebound. Bilbao has many points in their hands and plays with a lot of verticality."
As the game continued, the atmosphere in the Pabellón Toni Martí grew electric. Fans were treated to a display of competitive basketball, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their skills. The intensity of the match reflected the high stakes for both sides as they fought for crucial points in the league standings.
With the clock ticking down, the players on both teams were aware of the importance of every possession. Ponsarnau's strategy to encourage his players to find their rhythm and solidify their gameplay was evident as they battled for control of the game. Amar Sylla, one of the standout performers for Bilbao, expressed the team's determination to improve, stating, "This game has to serve us to play better. I just try to be ready to do what the team needs. We have to keep working to improve."
The competitive nature of this matchup was further highlighted by the tactical adjustments made by both coaches. Ponsarnau emphasized the need for his players to be aware of the value of each game, while Plaza focused on instilling a mindset of resilience and determination within his squad.
As the final quarter approached, fans were on the edge of their seats, anticipating how the game would unfold. Both teams were eager to secure a win, not only for league standings but also to build momentum heading into their respective upcoming challenges. The tension was palpable as the players took the court for the final stretch of the game.
In the end, regardless of the outcome, the match served as a crucial stepping stone for both teams. For Bilbao, it was an opportunity to fine-tune their performance ahead of the Europe Cup final, while Andorra sought to solidify their standing in the league. The rivalry between these two teams added an extra layer of excitement, making this matchup one that fans would not soon forget.
As the game progressed, it became clear that both teams were committed to leaving everything on the court. With the clock winding down and the stakes higher than ever, the players exhibited a fierce determination to claim victory, making for an unforgettable night of basketball.
