Crocs Still in the Hunt

The Townsville Crocodiles have kept their playoff hopes alive with a crushing 122-100 victory over the West Sydney Razorbacks tonight at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

West Sydney put up a good fight through three quarters of the match but a 35 point outburst from the Crocs in the fourth period put the result beyond doubt in a game they had to win if they wanted to remain in finals contention.

Townsville centre Casey Calvary dominated the paint after some early foul trouble to score a game high 27 points, while his fellow import Larry Abney impressed yet again with his 16th double double of the season (17 points and 10 rebounds).

Swingman Brad Newley also had a strong all around game for the Crocs with 25 points, six assists and five rebounds, while veteran John Rillie (19 points) and point guard Kelvin Robertson (16 points and five assists) were the other key contributors for Townsville.

Razorbacks youngster Clint Reed was the shining light for the visitors with 20 points and seven rebounds, while new import James Taylor (19 points) and centre Pero Vasiljevic (18 points) both tried hard all night long for the struggling West Sydney franchise.

After a dismal three point effort last round against the Hawks John Rillie made sure he would have an impact in this game hitting three long bombs inside the first six minutes of the match to help the home side to a 29-18 lead, but a nice fight back led by American guard James Taylor late in the period saw the Razorbacks trail by just six points at the end of the first quarter (33-27).

West Sydney continued to hang tough against the Crocs all out attacking play closing to within five points early in the second term, but 12 points from Brad Newley in the quarter spurred Townsville into action and they stormed into the main break with a comfortable 11 point advantage (61-50).

Recently re-signed Pigs coach Mark Watkins had some harsh words for his charges at the major interval and whatever he said seemed to work as the Razorbacks played some inspired basketball to find themselves behind by just two points with three minutes left in the third term.

That was as close as they would get though as Calvary took control for Townsville scoring 12 points for the period to steer the home side into the final break with a 87-80 lead.

The big crowd at ‘The Swamp’ finally had a reason to get excited in the fourth quarter as the Crocs put on an offensive show for them outscoring the Pigs 35-20 to run away with the match and claim a much needed victory.

Townsville (7-14) will look to make it two wins on the trot when they travel to Brisbane next Friday night to take on a resurgent Bullets outfit, while West Sydney (4-18) have the back end of their ‘Sunshine Swing’ road trip tomorrow night against the Taipans in Cairns.

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