ANDORRA LA VELLA — UCAM Murcia claimed a 89-95 victory over MoraBanc Andorra in Liga Endesa ACB action, with the game completely transformed after halftime. Sito Alonso's squad, led by David DeJulius (22 points) and Kelan Martin's six three-pointers, surged in the second half to secure an important win. The Andorran side remains in the relegation zone.
The victory strengthens UCAM Murcia's trajectory in the final stretch of the season, while MoraBanc Andorra continues to need results to escape the danger zone.
The game started with strong offensive efficiency from beyond the arc. The home team opened with a 4-for-4 start from three-point range, led by Aaron Best, while UCAM Murcia responded with a 4-for-5 effort and two early makes from David DeJulius.
Despite the strong local start, the visitors changed the pace with a 2-15 run that turned a 17-13 lead into a 19-28 advantage. The first quarter ended at 22-28 following a three-pointer by Castañeda.
MoraBanc Andorra's response came in the second quarter. A 17-5 run, powered by Shannon Evans II and the interior dominance of Artem Pustovyi, allowed Žan Tabak's team to rally and take a 39-33 lead with three minutes remaining before halftime.
UCAM Murcia answered from the free-throw line and managed to stay close on the scoreboard. A late basket by Justin McKoy left the score at 43-38 at the break, with Aaron Best adding 11 points and David DeJulius reaching 13.
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After the restart, MoraBanc Andorra appeared to take definitive control. A three-pointer by Shannon Evans II and another by Sir'Jabari Rice extended the lead to 49-40. However, UCAM Murcia adjusted with a 2-3 zone defense that changed the dynamics of the game.
The home team held on for much of the third quarter, but late in the period back-to-back three-pointers from Nakic and Jaylen Hands brought the score level at 66-66. From that point on, the Murcia team took advantage of their opponent's defensive breakdown.
The start of the fourth quarter proved decisive. A 3-9 run gave UCAM Murcia a 69-75 lead with just over six minutes remaining. MoraBanc Andorra began to struggle offensively, accumulated unforced turnovers, and played with increasing desperation.
With the score at 78-86 with 2:27 left, the visitors closed out the game with greater composure. Another three-pointer from Kelan Martin, his sixth of the night, sealed the contest and secured the 89-95 victory.
UCAM Murcia adds a valuable win in Liga Endesa and maintains positive momentum in the decisive stretch of the season. MoraBanc Andorra, meanwhile, remains in relegation positions and faces weeks of maximum competitive pressure.