Inspired by young point guard Mitch Norton, Townsville have survived a concerted late fightback to produce a giant-killing 82-78 NBL win over Melbourne.
With big men Brian Conklin and Luke Schenscher sidelined few gave the last-placed Crocodiles a chance against the NBL's pacesetters at Hisense Arena on Friday night.
But Norton (15 points) led a composed offence and relentless zone defence, receiving strong support from first-year centre Nick Kay (14 points, 9 rebounds).
Townsville's fairytale was almost ruined in the final quarter, with Melbourne charging from 22 points in the shadows of three-quarter-time to within two with seven seconds remaining.
However, Croc Clint Steindl (13 points) held his nerve from the free-throw line.
Chris Goulding provided his usual highlights for the hosts with 22 points and while Daniel Kickert (17 points, 7 rebounds) and Stephen Holt (15 points, 8 assists) provided important cameos, United didn't have enough consistent contributors.
When Goulding scored Melbourne's first five points it appeared to be business as usual for the home team, who came into the contest on a seven-game home winning streak.
Goulding's second triple of the night gave his team a 12-10 advantage midway through the opening term but from that point the undermanned visitors made the running behind a trio of three-pointers from Steindl.
In the absence of his more experienced teammates, Kay reaffirmed his early claim as the NBL's best rookie, dominating inside on his way to 10 points and six rebounds at half-time as the Crocs built a 16-point lead.
After shooting a wayward 4-of-15 from long range in the opening half, Melbourne nailed four triples to open the third term, Goulding with a brace to race past 20 points.
But Townsville's young team continued to respond to every challenge, Norton scoring from inside and out, then three-pointers from Corey Maynard and Leon Henry putting the Crocs 22 ahead.
Melbourne reduced the deficit to 18 at the final break and then released the shackles, Kickert, Holt and Todd Blanchfield bringing the crowd to life with their long-range display.
Ultimately, though, United left their run too late.
"We've always thought we're probably the gutsiest team in the league and we won't give in because there's a little bit of adversity," Crocs coach Shawn Dennis said.
"I think that caught them a little bit by surprise from the last time we played them to this time.
"It was just a terrific effort by them all and a great reward for Mitch in his 100th game."
Melbourne coach Dean Demopoulos was philosophical.
"That's what happens when you fall in holes, sometimes you get out, sometimes you dont," he said.
"Hats off to them. We're not the first good team that they've beaten, so it shouldn't be a surprise to anybody. I'm not surprised by it at all.
"Everybody in this league is capable of beating everybody else, not on a given day, on any day."
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