The Andorra basketball team opened their 2026 Club Friendship campaign in emphatic style on 28 August, powering past Cheshire Phoenix 105-92 at home. The friendly fixture, played in front of a lively crowd, gave both sides a valuable workout ahead of their respective domestic seasons, but it was Andorra who controlled the tempo from start to finish, showcasing their depth and shot-making ability.

Match Overview

From the opening quarter, Andorra set the tone with aggressive transition play and crisp ball movement. They built a double-digit lead by halftime and never allowed Cheshire Phoenix to get closer than eight points in the second half. The final 13-point margin reflected a performance that mixed efficient outside shooting with relentless work on the offensive glass.

Cheshire Phoenix, competing in the Club Friendship series as part of their preseason preparation for the British Basketball League, showed flashes of quality, particularly in the second quarter when they trimmed the deficit behind a quick 9-0 run. However, Andorra responded with a decisive 14-4 spurt just before the interval, taking control of the game and never looking back.

Key Moments

• First-quarter burst: Andorra opened with a 12-2 run, knocking down four early three-pointers and forcing three Phoenix turnovers.
• Second-quarter response: Cheshire Phoenix rallied to within 45-43 before Andorra’s bench unit sparked a 14-4 run to end the half, making it 59-47.
• Third-quarter killer: The hosts extended the lead to 82-65 on a breakaway dunk after a steal, effectively sealing the contest before the final period.
• Late Phoenix fightback: Cheshire closed the gap to 96-88 with under three minutes remaining, but Andorra’s poise at the free-throw line closed out the win.

Tactical Story

Andorra’s coaching staff used the fixture to experiment with lineups, giving extended minutes to both veterans and younger players. The home side’s defensive pressure was the underlying theme: they forced 17 turnovers and converted those into 24 fast-break points. Offensively, their spacing and willingness to share the ball created open looks from deep, with Andorra finishing 14-for-32 from three-point range.

Cheshire Phoenix, meanwhile, showed resilience in the paint, scoring 46 points inside compared to Andorra’s 38. Their pick-and-roll offence generated good looks in the second half, but inconsistent perimeter defence and a slow start from beyond the arc proved costly.

Standout Players

• Andorra: The home team’s backcourt duo combined for 47 points, with the lead guard dictating pace after halftime. A reserve forward added 16 points and 8 rebounds, providing a major spark off the bench.
• Cheshire Phoenix: Their captain led the visitors with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while a young guard chipped in with 7 assists and 3 steals, keeping the Phoenix in the game during the middle quarters.

Season and Context

For Andorra, this result provides a confidence boost as they continue their Club Friendship schedule and prepare for the challenges of domestic league play. The friendly series allows head coach Joan Peñarroya’s side to build chemistry and test new tactical systems, and the 105-point output will be a positive sign for the offensive schemes installed during training camp.

Cheshire Phoenix will take several lessons from the defeat, particularly the need to sharpen their perimeter defence and reduce turnovers. Despite the loss, the BBL outfit competed hard for stretches and will look to refine their execution in upcoming friendlies before the competitive season tips off.

With the Club Friendship format providing a competitive environment without domestic standings pressure, both teams will value the minutes and the opportunity to fine-tune their rosters. Andorra will hope to carry this winning momentum forward, while Cheshire Phoenix will view this as a valuable measuring stick against a prestigious European opponent.