The Townsville Crocs slipped back into the NBL top four after a fighting 93-92 win in overtime against the Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The Crocs turned around three straight losses to snatch victory from under the noses of Cairns which led throughout the last quarter, but could not deal the final knockout blow.

Scores were locked at 85-85 when the final siren sounded, Crocs import EJ Rowland missing the chance to seal the deal after missing one of two free-throw chances with 22 seconds left.

Extra time became a heated battle, no more than four points separating the two sides and when Snake Luke Martin missed a jump-shot on the buzzer, Townsville claimed the game.

Rarely has the Reptile Rumble carried so much importance with the narrowest of margins still separating the top six clubs and the significance was obvious as the Cairns court became a hotbed of intensity.

A packed house could not bring the Taipans home despite fighting their way back from an 18-point deficit, succumbing to their third straight loss at home, the first time this has happened in two years. Larry Abney led the way for the Crocs, amassing 24, while John Rillie added 20 and Rowland 18.

Comparatively quiet in the first half, Martin Cattalini powered through the second half and was the vital cog in the Taipans comeback, nailing a game-high 34 points, while Damon Thornton hit 16 and Darnell Mee had 10.

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