United go 1-28 from three, Davis leads Kings in OT

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All-NBL First Team guard Kendric Davis delivered another late-game masterclass as the Sydney Kings outlasted Melbourne United 92–86 in overtime at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon, sealing a gutsy road win in one of the season’s most tightly contested matchups.

Sydney are 6-2 in their last eight games and moved into fourth at 9-7.

Davis finished with a game-high 26 points, knocking down three triples and going 9-of-10 at the foul line, while also adding six assists and steady control in the decisive moments. With the game tied after regulation, the Kings basically made less mistakes than United in overtime.

While Melbourne competed physically and won the rebounding battle, their shooting — particularly from deep — ultimately told the story. United endured a brutal night from beyond the arc, finishing just 1-of-28 from three (3.6%), including 0-for-8 from captain Chris Goulding and 1-for-9 from Milton Doyle. That inability to convert open perimeter looks consistently stalled momentum and allowed Sydney to stay within striking distance despite long stretches without the lead.

Kings defender Bul Kuol was up and in on Goulding all game with the pair exchanging words early in the game. How much it impacted Goulding's overall game may have been reflected in his box score: 3-from-12 for eight points in 30:27 minutes.

Doyle (21 points) and Fabijan Krslovic (16 points, 12 rebounds) carried much of Melbourne’s offensive load, but the missed threes loomed large as the Kings escaped with a critical overtime win.

Doyle got a decent look to win it in regulation but his bank shot rimmed out.

Davis was elite in the last two Kings possessions in regulation, hitting a 10-foot pull-up jumper and then dishing to Xavier Cooks for the game-tying lay-up with 20 seconds to go.

The reality was neither team was great in the OT with fatigue impacting decision-making and shot selection hurting. It was just 3-2 in the OT with 1:33 left.

Doyle missed a pair of free throws with 34 seconds left. He's a +90% free throw shooter.

Doyle then fouled Davis on a long two point attempt with 10.7 seconds left. Davis missed the front end of his pair but made the second. Vickerman called a time out to draw up a play.

Goulding was left open on the right wing and air-balled a high arcing three with five seconds left. Goulding finished 0-from-8 from deep.

Key Details

• Result: Sydney Kings 92 def. Melbourne United 86 (OT)
• When: Sunday, 14th December 2025
• Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Kendric Davis (Sydney Kings) starred with 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals in 34 minutes.
• Milton Doyle (Melbourne United) scored 21 points, and had eight rebounds and one assist in 38 minutes.

What Happened

Melbourne United controlled the opening half, establishing a 50-45 advantage at the main break after outscoring Sydney 25-21 in the second quarter. The home side maintained their momentum through a competitive first half that saw both teams trading baskets early.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Sydney clawed back into contention, outscoring United 24-20 to level proceedings at 70-69 heading into the final period. The Kings' improved three-point shooting became evident during this stretch, as they began to find their rhythm from downtown.

Regulation time delivered a thrilling conclusion with both teams deadlocked at 84-84 after the fourth quarter. Melbourne managed just 14 points in the final period while Sydney scored 15, setting up an overtime period that would decide the contest. The back-and-forth nature of the game was highlighted by 29 lead changes throughout the contest.

Overtime belonged entirely to the visitors, with Sydney dominating the extra period eight points to two. Davis proved clutch when it mattered most, helping the Kings pull away decisively when the pressure was at its highest. Melbourne's offensive struggles continued into overtime, managing just one successful field goal in the additional five minutes.

Davis led all scorers with an efficient 26-point performance, shooting 7-from-18 from the field while connecting on three triples. His exceptional work from the charity stripe proved crucial, converting nine of 10 free throw attempts. For Melbourne, Doyle battled valiantly with 21 points but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-from-9 three-point attempts.

The Kings' superior three-point shooting ultimately decided the contest, with Sydney connecting on 13-from-36 attempts (36%) compared to Melbourne's dismal 1-from-28 performance (3.6%) from deep. Matthew Dellavedova contributed 15 points for the winners, while Fabijan Krslovic recorded a double-double for United with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Sydney's balanced scoring attack proved decisive, with four players reaching double figures compared to Melbourne's three. The Kings also dominated the turnover battle, forcing 24 turnovers while committing just 13 themselves, creating additional scoring opportunities throughout the contest.