The Townsville Crocodiles have extended their NBL winning streak to seven, holding on against a fast-finishing Hunter Pirates outfit 133-127 at the Swamp.

Seven Crocs finished in double figures with import Robert Brown (23 points) and John Rillie (21) leading an even spread of scorers.

Kavossy Franklin was a one-man band for most of the night racking up a game high 37 points for the Pirates, while Geordie Cullen provided 25 off the bench.

The loss leaves Hunter with a 12-16 record and puts them in a dogfight with West Sydney and Cairns for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Pirates MVP candidate Brian Wethers had little influence on the game, held to a season-low 11 points.

The Crocs looked set to run away with the game after leading by 22 at halftime, but the Pirates fought on gamely in the final assignment of their three game road trip.

Damon Lowery threatened to steal an upset win down the stretch hitting 16 final quarter points, but it wasn't enough to get Hunter over the line.

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