Marcelinho Huertas bids farewell to the Liga Endesa with 21 points

The Endesa League witnessed the farewell of a legend. Marcelinho Huertas closed his chapter in the Spanish domestic competition with a performance worthy of his trajectory, leading La Laguna Tenerife to victory in Andorran territory. With 21 points and 4 assists, the veteran Brazilian point guard left his unmistakable mark in a game that will signify a before and after in the history of the Canary team.

Huertas' final showcase in the last quarter

The match at the MoraBanc Andorra court was a true spectacle in its decisive phase. Huertas played 22 minutes and 58 seconds, demonstrating that experience and quality have no age. His numbers in the official ACB report reflect notable efficiency: 6 of 10 in two-point shots, 2 of 3 in three-pointers, and a perfect 3 of 3 in free throws, completed with 5 fouls drawn and a valuation of 20. The highlight was his explosion in the final quarter, where he scored 11 points in under seven minutes, including two corner three-pointers that were crucial to secure the win.

The flow of the game indicated it would not be easy. MoraBanc Andorra had come back from a 12-point deficit in the third period and took the lead with a score of 73-72. With just 3:48 remaining, the game was interrupted for fifteen minutes due to a fan's indisposition in the stands, who was evacuated fully conscious. Upon resumption, Huertas and Wes van Beck responded with consecutive three-pointers from the corner, definitively changing the course of the match.

In the final minute, with the score at 80-83 in favor of the Canaries, Huertas scored a 2+1 that allowed him to add two more free throws, bringing the score to 82-88. Kyle Guy closed the score from the free-throw line, ensuring the victory. At the end, his teammates carried him on their shoulders, an emotional acknowledgment of his contribution and legacy in the team.

Emotional farewell from the Canary club

La Laguna Tenerife not only celebrated a sports victory but also bid farewell to one of its symbols. The Canary club used its official website to express its sentiments: “A well-earned and deserving victory with the unmistakable final touch of the eternal Marcelinho Huertas. Obrigado, Marce,” wrote the organization. The official report referred to “a final stellar performance by the Brazilian point guard in his farewell to the aurinegro team.”

This match came three days after the official event in which Huertas said goodbye to La Laguna Tenerife after nearly eight years on the island. During his time in the Canary team, he became an iconic figure, earning the respect and admiration of fans, teammates, and rivals. His move to Dubai Basketball in the EuroLeague marks the end of an important chapter in his professional career, though not the conclusion, as he continues to compete at the highest level at 43 years old.

Notable contributions from the Canary team

Beyond Huertas, La Laguna Tenerife had other valuable contributions. Kyle Guy was the top scorer of the match with 19 points, accompanied by 4 of 6 in three-pointers and 5 assists, achieving a valuation of 22 according to ACB data. Wes van Beck added 14 points and 6 rebounds, contributing on both sides of the court. Jaime Fernández rounded out the offense with 10 points. Jaka Lakovic's team played without López-Arostegui, Ethan Happ, and Rokas Giedraitis, and lost Bruno Fitipaldo in the final stretch to a blow to the left knee, whose recovery remained under evaluation.

Andorra sinks in the table after another defeat

On the other hand, MoraBanc Andorra could not capitalize on their comeback and suffered another defeat in their difficult season. Aaron Best was the top scorer for Andorra with 12 points before being fouled out in the 39th minute. Lazar Mutic and Leon Radosevic contributed 11 points each, while Artem Pustovyi added 10. James Akinjo distributed 13 assists, showcasing his ability to orchestrate the game, though it was insufficient to prevent the defeat.

With this loss, the team coached by Zan Tabak has recorded another downfall and sits at the bottom of the Endesa League table with a record of 1-7. The context is particularly difficult, having just lost on a last-second shot in Coruña, where they set their record for three-pointers. Defensive and offensive consistency remains a pressing issue for the Andorrans, who need to reverse their situation as soon as possible.

With the victory, La Laguna Tenerife now has six wins in eight games and is positioned with a record of 6-2, ranking second behind Real Madrid according to the ACB standings. This result consolidates their position at the top of the table and boosts their confidence heading into upcoming matches.

Upcoming commitments for the Canary team

La Laguna Tenerife continues its away tour in the Eurocup, visiting Turk Telekom Ankara on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. Afterwards, on Sunday, November 22, they will host Barça at Santiago Martín at 6:00 p.m. in the ninth round of the Endesa League. These matches will be crucial to maintain their positive streak and consolidate their position in both competitions.

MoraBanc Andorra, for its part, will play at the Kids&Us Manresa court on Saturday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m., looking to stop their bad run and achieve their second victory of the season. Dubai Basketball, Huertas' new team, will host Anadolu Efes on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:00 p.m. peninsular time in the EuroLeague, thus starting the new phase of the legendary Brazilian point guard in the top European club competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Marcelinho Huertas se despide de la Liga Endesa con 21 puntos