The Hawks trailed by nine points with less than three minutes left in regulation but forced the game to an extra period when Kirk Penney drained a huge three in the closing stages.

They were able to finish the job in overtime, despite finishing the evening down an astounding 46-23 on the rebound count.

It sets-up final series with either Melbourne United or Perth Wildcats later this month.

Illawarra will have to improve if they are to challenge either of those sides.

They welcomed the return of Penney from a four-game lay-off on Saturday, who had 28 points in just 25 minutes of court time.

Kevin Lisch was also fantastic as he tallied 29 points.

Crocodiles forward Nick Kay had his best game of the season with 24 points and 15 rebounds while Jordair Jett toiled hard for 19 points.

They nearly helped Townsville pull off a shock win, despite the fact they trailed for most of the match. 

Penney shook off the cobwebs early with two early baskets as Illawarra battled to a 18-11 first quarter lead.

Townsville edged back into the contest following some tough work inside by Jett, but the hosts maintained a 25-22 advantage at the first break.

Jett continued to bully his way to the hoop in the second adding four early points which were cancelled out by Ogilvy.

The Hawks big-man dropped nine points for the quarter to lead all scorers with 15.

A three from Mitch Norton in the final minute of the quarter helped Townsville to within a point at 54-53 at the half.

Illawarra went into the break down an unforgivable 21-5 on the glass.

It stopped them from moving clear again in the second half.

When Omar Samhan hit a mid-range jumper the scores were level at 66-all with a quarter and a half remaining.

A driving lay-up from bench weapon Jarrod Weeks put the Hawks clear once more before Rhys Martin and Mirko Djeric drilled big shots from downtown at either end to set up an enthralling final quarter.

Illawarra were 75-71 up heading into last, but were made to pay again after giving up more second-chance points.

When Nick Kay grabbed his own miss to tip in another two points the Crocodiles led 78-77.

It was the visitors first lead since halfway through the first quarter and they endeavoured to sure-up the advantage.

Samhan hit another deep two which saw the Crocodiles surged 89-80 clear and forced Hawks coach Rob Beveridge to call a timeout.

The breather worked in Illawarra’s favour as they nailed back-to-back threes through Cody Ellis and Lisch to cut the margin to three with a minute left.

The WEC erupted with 19 seconds remaining when Penney hit another three off a screen to level the scores at 89-all and send the match to overtime.

Townsville wrestled back the ascendancy early in the extra period, but the Hawks stayed in touch thanks to baskets from each of their big three.

A trademark and-one drive from Lisch put Illawarra back in the box seat at 99-97.

They finished the game off to sneak away with a 104-97 win.

Illawarra play Adelaide next Friday.