The Melbourne Tigers have continued their surge for a top two NBL spot with a 110-103 victory over the Crocodiles in Townsville.

Rashad Tucker was the dominant force for Melbourne scoring 38 points, including 21 in the last quarter.

The South Illinois product produced 16-of-23 from the field to hold off a strong challenge from the home side in the second half.

Both sides were evenly matched in the first term with the score line locked at 25 at the first break.

However, a Darryl Corletto (17 points) inspired second term took the game away from the Crocodiles, with last year's premiers racking up 39 points to lead 64-47 at half-time.

Croc's point guard Kelvin Robertson (19 points including seven-of-12 shooting) was instrumental in leading a fight back in the second half.

However, the Victorian side still managed to establish a 13-point lead going into the final term (85-72).

Both sides relied on their towering centres to keep the scoreboard clicking over with Tigers captain Chris Anstey scoring 15 points and nine rebounds while his opponent Greg Vanderjagt did a good job for the Crocs with 18 points and six rebounds in reply.

John Rillie (17 points) and Brad Newley (17 points) helped Townsville close to within four points late in the last term but eventually the Tigers were able to run out seven-point victors.

Melbourne's fifth consecutive win leaves them in a tight race for second spot while Townsville's third loss in a row sees them starting to lose touch with the NBL top four.

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