A third quarter blitz has helped Townsville record a 110-97 NBL home victory over reigning champions Melbourne.

Crocs captain John Rillie (29 points, five rebounds and four assists) and import Larry Abney (25 points, five rebounds and six assists) provided the fireworks as the home side outscored the Tigers 38-16 in the third term to secure their fifth straight win on New Year's Eve.

The Crocs used an up tempo game to upset their more fancied opponents with the Tigers having no answer to the home side's form from beyond the three-point line.

Townsville landed 13-of-22 from long range and shot at 47 per cent from the field with Melbourne skipper Chris Anstey (24 points and 11 rebounds) the only player able to halt their momentum.

Brad Newley and point guard EJ Rowland both chipped in with 17 points each for the victors in front of their first capacity crowd this season.

After opening up a 13-point lead at the first break, the Crocs had to withstand a fight-back from Melbourne who scored 36 points in the second stanza to leave the two sides locked at 53 apiece at half-time.

Dave Thomas (19 points) provided solid support for Anstey but despite winning the final period by 28-19, the Crocs still coasted to an easy victory.

The win saw the Crocs move into fourth spot on the ladder with Melbourne's title chances suffering another dent after a surprise loss on Boxing Day to South Dragons.

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