The Townsville Crocodiles built on their narrow three-quarter time lead to comfortably defeat the Cairns Taipans 89-76 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.
Russell Hinder (18 points), Brad Williamson (17), and Corey Williams (15) were the chief destroyers for the Crocodiles which have their sights set on a championship.
Dusty Rychart (17), Gary Boodnikoff (14) and Julien 'Skip' Mills (12) were the only threats for the Taipans who are left second last on the NBL ladder.
The home side won the second quarter 22-11 but conceded the third quarter to the visitors 24-13 leaving it just three points in front at the final change.
Townsville took an early lead in a lightning first term with captain Hinder leading the way with a radar-like shooting performance.
Hinder hit four consecutive three-pointers to propel the home side short of a double-figure lead.
Cairns struggled to match the intensity with only Aaron Grabau enjoying minor success against a frantic defence.
Grabau drove hard for three lay-ups but the visitors were left trailing 23-27 at quarter-time.
The Crocodiles returned with a 13-6 run with Williamson nailing a three-pointer from left of the arc.
Williamson sunk four field goals and a second three-pointer for 10 points for the term.
The Taipans chipped away at the margin with Rich Melzer dropping two well-measured field goals but they were outscored 12-22 for the quarter.
Melzer's four points were the most among the visitors who were left behind 35-49 at half-time.
Cairns returned with an improved defensive effort to force several turnovers and cut the deficit to just seven points.
Mills found his touch after a quiet start with a long three-pointer.
Townsville was clearly rattled, with Michael Cedar left to steer a wavering ship, and was outscored 24-13 for the quarter.
Cedar made a late three-pointer and field goal to stay in front 62-59 at three-quarter time.
The Crocodiles killed off any momentum with Williamson nailing a huge three-pointer from down town.
Hinder was barged off the court as the physicality increased but picked up two easy free-throws.
The Taipans were in need of a miracle to save the match which was out of reach with two minutes on the clock.
Williams hit a run-away slam dunk and was followed up by partner-in-crime Rolan Roberts with another run-away slam dunk to seal victory.
Townsville Crocodiles 89 (Hinder 18, Williamson 17, Williams 15)
Cairns Taipans 76 (Rychart 17, Boodnikoff 14, Mills 12)
@Townsville Entertainment Centre 06/02/10. Attendance: 4313