The Townsville Crocodiles started the NBL season in style posting a thrilling 114-111 home win over the Adelaide 36ers.

Sixers swingman Jacob Holmes hit a three pointer on the buzzer but it was waved away by officials.

However Adelaide Coach Phil Smyth was philosophical about the decision.

"Emotionally you want to say yes, he got it off," Smyth said.

"But we'll go back and have a look at the video, the referees don't have the benefit of that."

After trailing for the entire game, the visitors took the lead briefly in the final term.

But the Crocs got home on the back of new import duo Casey Calvary (22 points) and Robert Brown (20) while evergreen skipper Robert ROSE contributed 23.

Townsville coach Ian Stacker was impressed with the efforts of Calvary who also recorded ten rebounds, four assists, four blocked shots and three steals.

"Casey came up with some big plays at the end there, things like deflections, blocked shots," Stacker said.

"Those sorts of plays are what win you games. From a coaching viewpoint those things are inspirational."

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