Crocs coach to face NBL tribunal

Townsville Crocodiles head coach Paul Woolpert will face the NBL tribunal this week after he was ejected from Saturday night's win over Wollongong.

He faces charges of abusive language and unsportsmanlike conduct after a heated clash with referee Michael Aylen moments before halftime of the 72-57 away victory over the Hawks.

Woolpert was upset over the foul count against his side and believed the Hawks were getting away with fouling his big men, particularly Luke Schenscher.

The matter is tipped to be heard on Wednesday morning with the Crocs' coach given until midday on Tuesday to decide whether to have a formal hearing or have the matter dealt with via phone hook-up.

Townsville squeezed the life out of the Hawks during a stunning 24-6 third period, responding strongly after Woolpert was kicked out of the game just before the main break.

Wollongong mounted a fightback in the fourth quarter behind a 12-1 start to the period, but Townsville responded with a much-needed 7-0 spurt capped by a Peter Crawford triple to keep the struggling Hawks grounded at 3-11 for the season.

Townsville were led by Jacob Holmes (13 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) and Schenscher (11 points), while Chris Cedar scored all 15 of his points after the long break.

The Hawks remain last on the NBL ladder while Townsville are fourth.

In Sydney on Saturday night, the Kings held off a spirited Gold Coast Blaze to win 102-96.

In a close game where neither side could reach a double-digit lead, Jerai Grant's power at both ends of the court proved the difference.

The Kings import's 23 points, 12 rebounds and four assists were an impressive all-round performance, proving his growing self-belief is turning the 22-year old into a star of the competition.

A fourth-quarter burst from Andrew Warren sparked the Cairns Taipans to a 72-67 win over the 36ers at Adelaide Arena on Saturday night.

In a tight, low-scoring contest, Warren found space to drop 11 points in the final term and 25 for the game.

Perth Wildcats sit top of the NBL after beating Melbourne Tigers 72-67 at home on Friday night.

The Wildcats have played one more game than second-placed New Zealand who play the third-placed Melbourne Tigers on Sunday night.