The Wollongong Hawks are just a game away from the NBL grand final after staging a stunning turnaround to defeat Townsville 100-84 at The Sandpit on Wednesday night.

The Hawks extended their winning streak over the Crocodiles to an astonishing nine games and delivered a huge psychological blow ahead of Saturday's game two.

Wollongong looked in severe trouble for most of the night against the team coming in with an 11-game winning streak, but they stuck their noses in front just before three-quarter time and powered home.

Townsville held the lead from the opening tip right through until the final 1:07 of the third quarter, but two Glen Saville free throws put the Hawks in front for the first time.

The lead visibly energised Wollongong, who immediately went down the other end and forced a shot clock violation on the Crocs, reinforcing their new found energy.

Going into the final quarter with a one point margin, 70-69, the Hawks turned to captain Matt Campbell to make them comfortable, and then strangled Townsville with the league's best defence.

Campbell was unstoppable in the opening four minutes of the last, nailing two huge threes, and a strong drive to the basket.

His eight points was the catalyst for a 15-5 run that gave Wollongong an 11-point lead, seemingly impossible just minutes earlier.

Desperate to fight back, Townsville threw everything at the Hawks, but Wollongong's defence lifted accordingly and held the Crocs to just 15 points in the last quarter.

Townsville's cause received its final blow halfway through the fourth when big man Casey Calvary fouled out of the game, removing their only inside presence.

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