Davis stars, but 36ers fall to United

An outstanding performance from Kendric Davis was not enough for Adelaide 36ers went down 113-93 to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Davis scored a game-high 30 points to go with a game-high 11 assists as he tried gallantly to lead his side back into the contest with a fourth quarter push.

Adelaide reduced United’s double-figure half-time lead to just five points midway through the final 10 minutes, but the home side finished stronger for the 20-point success.

Montrezl Harrell added 20 points and captain DJ Vasiljevic had 17 points, but Daivs led from the front, the import point guard’s performance was the first Adelaide player to have a 30-point, 10-assist double since Julius Hodge in 2009.

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Harrell opened scoring followed by a tough jump shot by Vasiljevic, but United then went on a 13-0 run for an early nine-point lead.

Davis then came alive, scoring consecutive baskets before free throws from Vasiljevic reduced the United lead to 15-12.

Adelaide continued to attack the basket, the 36ers getting to the free throw line 11 times but United took a 29-22 lead into the first break.

United connected on consecutive three-pointers either side of the quarter time break to extend their lead to 10 points.

Isaac Humphries then converted on a three-point play and when Harrell scored inside, the margin was cut to 33-27.

Harrell kept the scoreboard ticking over as the 36ers cut the margin to three points, but Melbourne was dialed in from beyond the arc, increasing the lead back to 46-36.

United swished 10 three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes as Melbourne took a 59-46 lead into the main break.

Adelaide got back to the free throw line to start the third quarter as the 36ers began to reduce United’s half-time lead back to 64-57.

After only connecting on one from beyond the arc in the first half, the 36ers through Sunday Dech then Vasiljevic hit triples to cut the lead to 69-62 before United went on an 11-2 run to open their biggest lead of the contest.

Davis scored on a tough lay-up as the 36ers finished with a 7-2 run but United took an 85-73 lead into the final 10 minutes.

Harrell and Shea Ili were both ejected from the game early in the final quarter, but Davis continued to score and keep Adelaide in the contest.

Davis found Nick Marshall in transition for a three-pointer, then Vasiljevic hit a jumper and when Davis swished another three-pointer, the United lead was 90-85.

But United was clutch down the stretch as the 36ers went cold from the three-point line, Adelaide goes to the FIBA Break with a 6-5 record.

Adelaide will be back in action at home on Saturday, November 30 when the 36ers host Tasmania JackJumpers at the Entertainment Centre.

MELBOURNE UNITED 113 (Cameron 21, Clark 20, Goulding 19) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 93 (Davis 30, Harrell 20, Vasiljevic 17) at John Cain Arena.
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