In a thrilling encounter on April 12, 2025, Surne Bilbao Basket fell short against MoraBanc Andorra, losing 84-81 in a match that served as a precursor to their upcoming FIBA Europe Cup final. The game, held at the Pabellón Toni Martí, saw both teams exchanging leads with intensity, but it was Andorra who emerged victorious, thanks in part to standout performances from Sekou Doumbouya and Rafa Luz.
From the opening tip, MoraBanc Andorra established a strong presence, racing to an early 11-4 lead, driven by Doumbouya's impressive scoring. He finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his ability to dominate both ends of the court. However, Surne Bilbao Basket quickly responded, igniting a 2-10 run fueled by timely three-pointers from Thijs De Ridder and Tomasz Gielo, which allowed them to take a brief lead at 13-14.
The first quarter concluded with Bilbao Basket holding a narrow advantage at 21-23, but the momentum shifted in the second quarter. Despite a sluggish start where both teams struggled offensively, Bilbao managed to regain control, with Malcolm Cazalon hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer to end the half leading 39-41.
As the game progressed into the second half, both teams continued to trade blows. Jerrick Harding, despite battling physical discomfort, played a crucial role for Andorra, scoring important points that helped his team maintain a slim lead. By the end of the third quarter, Andorra had edged ahead 64-61, thanks to a strong performance from Luz, who contributed 16 points and was pivotal in the final moments of the game.
In the final quarter, Surne Bilbao Basket showed resilience, with Rubén Domínguez hitting two critical three-pointers that kept the team within striking distance. With just 34 seconds remaining, Melwin Pantzar converted a 2+1 play, narrowing the gap to 82-81. However, Harding responded with a decisive drive to the basket, extending Andorra's lead to 84-81.
Bilbao Basket had a chance to force overtime when Domínguez launched a three-point attempt with three seconds left, but the shot missed its mark, sealing the defeat for the visitors. This loss marked nearly four months since Bilbao last secured an away victory in the ACB, raising concerns about their performance on the road.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Jaume Ponsarnau, the head coach of Surne Bilbao Basket, found some positives in the defeat. "The most positive thing was saving the average," he reflected, noting that the team had won the first leg against Andorra at home by eight points. Ponsarnau acknowledged the importance of the upcoming FIBA Europe Cup final against PAOK Thessaloniki, stating that the focus would shift towards preparing for that crucial match.
Ponsarnau also commented on the team's performance, particularly praising Gielo for his scoring burst and acknowledging Doumbouya's offensive prowess. "We defended him better than in the first leg, yet he still managed to score more points," Ponsarnau remarked. He emphasized the need for his team to improve their away game performance, admitting they have a debt to settle in that regard.
Looking ahead, Surne Bilbao Basket will need to quickly regroup and refocus as they prepare for their historic European final. With the lessons learned from the match against Andorra, they hope to channel their competitive spirit into a successful performance against PAOK, aiming to secure their first European trophy.
As the dust settles on this hard-fought battle, both teams will reflect on their performances. MoraBanc Andorra will celebrate a vital victory, while Surne Bilbao Basket will take the lessons learned into their next challenge. The stage is set for an exciting week ahead in European basketball.
