IT WAS a fourth consecutive loss for the formerly ladder-leading Melbourne United over the weekend, falling to the Sydney Kings by six points in an overtime National Basketball League (NBL) clash in Round 12.

United were once looming as a side that may not drop a game all season following a 10-0 start, but have now slid down to second spot on the ladder following a form slump, and entered Sunday afternoon’s game at John Cain Arena on a three-game losing streak, with a dangerous Sydney outfit in their way.

It was a scrappy encounter plagued by inefficient shooting, but in the end, it was the Kings who were able to get the job done in overtime, claiming a gritty win to shake up the standings and move into the top four.

Melbourne United (86) def. by Sydney Kings (92)

The Kings came into the contest fresh off their biggest ever win at RAC Arena over the Perth Wildcats on Friday night, but started Sunday’s outing in slow fashion. Sydney missed its first five baskets of the match as Melbourne scored the first 10 points of the match to ignite John Cain Arena. However, the Kings were able to steady, and a late four-point play to Kendric Davis brought the visitors within one point at quarter time.

Sydney looked to make the game a more physical affair in the second frame, and proceedings got much scrappier as a result. United were dominant on the glass, but could not buy a three-pointer to make the opposition pay for their excellence in the skies. However, thanks to a late Milton Doyle basket, Melbourne still held onto a five-point buffer at the main change.

The Kings bounced back in the second half, responding after the long change to lead by seven points in the third quarter and put the pressure back on Melbourne. Former United guard Matthew Dellavedova was bringing plenty of heart to the game and his teammates were following suit, but the match was far from over.

Doyle hit Melbourne’s sole three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give United an advantage late in the fourth quarter, but his duel with Davis continued as the latter hit back to back baskets to force overtime. In extra time, United lacked the composure they showed in the earlier stages of the season, firing off shots early in possessions and missing, and the Kings instead showed composure at the charity stripe to claim a second road win in Round 12.

Davis starred for the victors, posting 26 points and six assists as he continued his rich run of form from earlier in the round. He had plenty of help in the backcourt from Dellavedova, who had 15 points of his own to go with four rebounds and two assists in a typically tough showing from the NBA Champion against his former side.

United will be left to rue shooting 1/28 from behind the arc and committing 24 turnovers, but will be encouraged by the fact that they were still in the contest in spite of these. Doyle ended up being the top contributor for Melbourne with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Finn Delany (16 points, 11 rebounds) and Fabijan Krslovic (16 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, three blocks) were also strong in defeat.