The Adelaide 36ers produced a remarkable form reversal to topple NBL leader the Sydney Kings 115-93 at the Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide.

In an ill-tempered affair the 36ers led by 19 points going into the final period, but had to withstand a late surge from their highly fancied opponents before pulling away again to keep their season alive.

Adam Ballinger top scored for the 36ers with 35 points, with Brad Davidson (31) and newcomer Julius Hodge (24) also decisive.

Mark Worthington was superb for Sydney with a 27 point haul, while Dontaye Draper (15) and Cam Tovey (12) were also impressive.

In the opening term both sides applied plenty of intense physical pressure with tempers flaring late in the term as Brad Davidson and BJ Carter engaged in a push and shove contest.

With the Kings leading 24-23 at the break, Davidson and Carter continued to exchange words long after the siren.

During an equally spiteful second term Worthington looked ominous for the Kings to raise his tally to 13, then Ballinger and Davidson broke the shackles with a number of quality finishes to give the 36ers a 59-49 halftime lead.

After the break the Kings struggled to cope with the offensive power of Darren Ng, Ballinger and Davidson.

With new US import Hodge emerging as a major influence the 36ers took a 91-72 lead into the final term.

The busy Dontaye Draper, Cam Tovey and the brilliant Worthington attempted to pull the Kings back with quick baskets early in the final stanza, but the 36ers steadied to hold on for the unlikely win.

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