Smith shines as Bucs drop Jacksonville, 88-73

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Tim Smith nearly picked up a second triple-double against Jacksonville.

Friday, February 03, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2006) -- Senior guard Tim Smith (Newport News, Va.) scored 27 points, dished out eight assists and grabbed seven steals in a complete effort to lead the ETSU men's basketball team past Jacksonville 88-73 Friday night inside Swisher Gymnasium.

The Bucs (13-8, 10-4) have won 12 of their last 14 and continue to stay in the fight for the A-Sun lead. Meanwhile, Jacksonville drops to 1-20, 1-13.

Four Buccaneers scored in double figures, with Smith leading the way and fellow senior guard Ben Rhoda (Dayton, Ohio) pitching in 17 points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Dolphins dropped their 18h straight game despite 13 points from Aubrey Conerly and Ljubisa Vrcelj, who tied his career high with a game-high nine rebounds.

The Bucs were able to pound the Dolphins on the boards, holding a 46-35 advantage on the glass. ETSU also out scored JU inside, racking up 48 points in the paint to JU's 30.

The Jacksonville offense struggled in the first half, hitting just 11-of-32 from the floor while the Bucs raced to a 15-point lead midway through the half. Smith and Rhoda scored 12 apiece in the first half as ETSU took a 47-36 lead into the intermission.

The second half saw the Bucs continue to hold the Dolphins in check, opening the half on a 27- 8 run to push the lead to 30 with 11:46 left in the game.

Antonio Cool and Evan Jefferson both chipped in for the Dolphins with 12 points apiece. David Fine came off the bench with seven points but more importantly dished four assists and four steals.

ETSU returns to action Sunday afternoon against North Florida. Game time is set for 2 p.m.