Basketball On The Internet.

The 40-year Townsville Suns/Crocodiles Reunion is loomin' so hit this link to register. 

But meanwhile, here's a look back at arguably the club's most memorable regular season game, played at The Swamp on November 6, 1999 as Part 2 of our continuing trip down memory Lane.

THEY called the Crocodiles' home court The Swamp in Townsville and on this balmy Saturday night, it swallowed up the years of gruelling unattractive mudball being played across the National Basketball League, making a splash to be felt nationwide.

Townsville's 131-127 overtime victory over the reigning Mitsubishi Challenge champion Adelaide 36ers was a game for the ages.

It was basketball at its finest, worthy of the sell-out crowd it attracted, equally worthy of the accolades the game received in the aftermath of its lofty drama.

It was being hailed as the best game of basketball seen in Queensland's far north . . . but it was better than that.

This Adelaide-Townsville game was one for the time-capsule.

Whether it was Brett Maher's 15-point first quarter on 5-of-5 three-pointers, en route to a career-high 40, or some simply breath-taking and sensational play from individuals of both sides, this was the game as it should be played.

Since Phil Smyth assumed the helm at Adelaide, it had become the most fun team to watch, that fun translating into unqualified, unprecedented success.

Now the Crocs - despite most of their personnel emanating from the Magic/Giants/Titans programs - were playing attractive basketball.

None of this sitting back and hoping your talent can topple their talent. The Crocs under Ian Stacker pressed and trapped, and the 36ers responded in kind.

It was one of the epics, even if it eventually came down to a hotly disputed foul call against David Stiff on Mike Kelly's desperate 3-point heave to save the game in regulation.

The fact it was made by the only referee without clear vision when the other two saw no infringement, left a bitter taste for the Sixers.

Kelly made all three free throws to tie the game 114-114, forcing the extension but Smyth eventually took up the issue with NBL referees commissioner Gary Fox.

He also was keen to know how Brad Davidson, in clear view of two officials, escaped an intentional foul after striking Paul Rees late in overtime.

He planned to even inquire how it was possible for Adelaide, in its third season of averaging 16 fouls a game, to incur a whopping 30 in Townsville, Martin Cattalini and Paul Maley enduring premature exits.

Naturally, none of his inquiries led to much post-match.

So, was it an epic?

“With all the emotion, we found it hard to view it that way after the game,” Smyth said.

“But other than the loss, it was a real good game to be involved in.”

Crocodiles centre Andrew Goodwin also had a career-best 40 points in one of the most exciting games of the year and Townsville's historic first home win over the Sixers in the club's eight seasons.

Martin Cattalini had 27 points, Darnell Mee 18 and Paul Maley 16 in a high-quality game that saw the Crocs ahead 58-55 at halftime.

Townsville's two recruits for the 1999-2000 season - Kelly and Pat Reidy - had 24 and 23 points respectively, vindicating the plan of Crocs coach Ian Stacker to revamp his team specifically to deal with the dual and reigning Mitsubishi Challenge champion.

While both Sixers coach Phil Smyth and Stacker agreed pre-game not much should be read into the result, it was clear Townsville was on course to end its playoff drought.

Goodwin, who was one of the league's big improvers after joining Townsville the previous season, had a stand-out game.

How he was omitted from what eventually would be the club's 20th Anniversary Team remains a mystery to this day.

Rees, Stiff and Mark Davis all spent time trying to quieten the 211cm centre.

Maher was at his most devastating, tough off the dribble, hitting from the perimeter and taking it to the hoop with confidence.

His 40 came at 65 per cent and he swished 8-of-13 threes.

After years of dwindling crowd support and the insidious growth of the “grind 'em down, beat 'em up” style, this NBL showdown was a breath of fresh air.

In a Swamp!

Who'd have thought?

Forty years ago, Townsville’s triumph in the State Basketball League inspired a bid by Mark Bragg to secure a National Basketball League team for the city.

In 1993 the Townsville Suns debuted in the NBL and in 1998 the team changed its name to Townsville Crocodiles.

The club brought together dedicated board members, coaches and officials, talented players, loyal and passionate supporters, and an entire community.

The club's reunion on Saturday, October 17, is a chance to reconnect with old friends, relive unforgettable moments including the 1986 State Basketball League grand final, and celebrate the halcyon days when the team sold out 69 games straight at The Swamp.

A team of Suns/Crocodiles enthusiasts, including inaugural board member Russell Laird, former player Shane Froling, former Townsville Basketball president John Geaney, Crocs mascot Shaun Williams, Townsville basketball icon Bernie Lannigan, and former Townsville Bulletin sports editor and marketing manager Doug Kingston have organised a not-for-profit reunion, at The Ville Resort & Casino, Townsville, from 4pm-7pm.

Join former Townsville Suns/Crocodiles board members, coaches, players, officials and fans in this special celebration by registering today at this link.

... That pic is a gem, young Mitch Norton with his Crocs hero Mike Kelly ...