The Melbourne Tigers have snapped their Swamp hoodoo and continued Townsville's miserable run, beating the Crocodiles 99-95.

It was the Tigers' second win in their past 13 visits to north Queensland and the victory was set up by centre Chris Anstey who pulled down 16 rebounds to go along with 25 points, while import Rashad Tucker added 21.

Skipper John Rillie was the shining light for the home side with 26 points while Casey Calvary hit 15 before he fouled out midway through the final term.

Melbourne appeared to be in complete control, leading by 27 at one stage in the third quarter before Townsville launched a monumental comeback.

The Crocs got as close as two late in the final term on the back of some brilliant outside shooting by Rillie, but couldn't snap their losing streak which now stands at eight games.

The Tigers went to the first break with a 34-21 lead thanks in part to guard Daryl Corletto who nailed his first six field goals to tally fifteen points for the term.

Melbourne coach Alan Westover said there were some scary moments in the dying stages after having what appeared to be a match-winning lead.

"They come back at you and you never feel safe," Westover said.

"Fortunately (Tucker) made a couple of big plays for us down the stretch at the offensive end.

"If the game had have gone much longer we would have been in dire straits."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP