Kings reign in thriller

THE Sydney Kings have qualified for the 2019-20 NBL grand final after holding on to defeat Melbourne United 88-86 in the seriesdeciding third game.

With last night’s contest all tied up heading into the final quarter, the Kings held their nerve in the final minutes at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena to reach their first grand final in 12 years.

With United ahead by one with just over two minutes to play, Kevin Lisch drilled a three-pointer and Jae’Sean Tate followed up with a basket to put the Kings up 89-85.

The minor premiers then held firm at the defensive end to earn their chance at a fourth title in franchise history.

The tight finish made for a fitting end to a drama-packed series after United recovered from a shocking collapse in the opening game to smack the Kings by a record margin in Game 2.

Chris Goulding fired in 19 points in the first half, drilling four triples in the second quarter alone as United built a 50-45 halftime lead. But the Kings took advantage of United’s foul trouble with a 10-0 run near the end of the third term before withstanding United’s fourthquarter challenge.

Tate scored 20 points and Casper Ware added 15 while Xavier Cooks (14 points, nine rebounds) impacted the game at both ends of the floor.

Goulding was held scoreless in the second half but still finished as United’s leading scorer with Mitch McCarron tallying 18 points and import duo Melo Trimble and Shawn Long each adding 17.