Townsville Crocodiles fading play-off hopes were dealt another blow by the Cairns Taipans who won a gritty 102-96 NBL battle at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The Crocs trailed by 11 points at half-time but fought hard to bring the game to within one-point with a minute left on the clock, but the Taipans clung on to the win.

Taipans guard Darnell Mee steadied for the home side, stepping up to the charity stripe twice within the final minute and adding another two field goals to give the snakes a six point victory.

Forward Martin Cattalini was a pillar of strength for Cairns, netting 26 points, with Mee grabbing 19 and Chris Burgess 17.

NBL rookie of the year Brad Newley led the Crocs revival with 24 points while Casey Calvary had 23.

After a scrappy first term from both teams, Burgess sparked the Taipans into attack in the second nailing six of his side's first eight points to open a nine point buffer.

Calvary kept the Crocs in touch however, his 12 points allowing the Taipans only a 50-39 halftime lead at the main break.

But Cairns began to stamp its authority on the game in the third quarter, virtually holding Townsville at arms length and maintaining at least a six point lead throughout.

It was a tough, defensive quarter that saw both sides reach their foul limits with four minutes remaining.

Croc Kelvin Robertson found his range from the arc but the Taipans managed to a 79-71 lead at the final break.

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