Gold Coast broke Townsville's seven-game NBL home winning streak with an 87-79 victory on Monday night.

James Harvey scored 20 points for the visitors and Pero Cameron and Jason Crowe 16 each while Crocs big man Ben Pepper returned to form with 15 points and 10 rebounds and John Rillie hit 16 points.

Pepper came out firing in the first quarter with 11 points and three defensive rebounds however consecutive three-pointers from Crowe had the score evenly poised 22-21 at the break.

Crowe continued his shooting rampage in the second blowing the lead out to 13 at one stage and ultimately helped the Blaze a 45-35 lead at the main break.

Skipper Rillie tried to rally his side after the break, opening with a three, but some committed Gold Coast defence and attacking spark from James Harvey ensured the Blaze maintained their lead 66-57.

The Crocs staged a mini fight back but it was too little too late with the Gold Coast drawing first blood in the Queensland derby.

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