Big man Russell Hinder scored a career-high 27-points to lead the Hunter Pirates to a pulsating 104-99 win over the Townsville Crocs and end a three-game losing streak.

Playing his 101st NBL game, Hinder was almost unstoppable inside.

He made 11 of 17 from the field and five from six from the free-throw line.

Such was Hinder's dominance early, he had 23 points at three-quarter time to more than double his season average of 12.

Co-captain and fellow tall timber Ben Melmeth was also strong and drained 15 points to go with 13 rebounds.

Pirates' backcourt buzzsaw Mike Helms continued his fine start to the debut season with 20 points, while Aaron Trahair made two big three pointers in the final term to finish with 15 points.

Crocs import Casey Calvary did his best to lift the Crocs with 26 points from 10 of 14 shooting.

Brad Newley had 19 points, John Rillie 16 and import Larry Abney lit it up late to finish with 15.

After opening the season with an upset win over the Sydney Kings, the Pirates lost their past three games, including a heartbreaking 115-104 double-overtime defeat to Perth at home last round.

Unlike against the Wildcats, the Pirates this time kept their composure down the stretch and converted a 82-77 lead into a well-deserved victory.

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