Melbourne stayed in the hunt for the NBL minor premiership after producing a stirring comeback to defeat Townsville 103-100 at The Swamp.

Down by as much as 15 in the third term, the Tigers lifted to record their 22nd win of the year, thanks largely to the efforts of centre Chris Anstey, who finished with 17 points, and guard Daryl Corletto, who provided a spark off the bench with 17 points also.

Import forward Larry Abney and skipper John Rillie paced the home side's scoring with 24 points apiece.

Rillie had a chance to tie the scores with just a second left on the clock but had his shot blocked by Anstey.

The defeat almost certainly spells the end of the Crocs playoff hopes with their record falling to eight wins and 18 losses.

Townsville led by ten at halftime and held a 74-59 lead early in the final quarter thanks to some sparkling play by Rillie and Brad Newley.

Melbourne put the clamps on from there and the momentum had well and truly swung the Tigers way when Corletto banked a buzzer beating three to leave his team just four points in arrears heading into the final quarter.

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