Smith scores 31, sinks late free throws to push Jacksonville past Savannah State 72-68
By APMonday, January 25, 2010
Jacksonville beats Savannah State 72-68
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Ben Smith scored 31 points, including hitting a pair of free throws with 6 seconds left, to seal Jacksonville’s 72-68 win over Savannah State on Monday night.
The Dolphins (11-8) led 66-61 with 1:39 left, but Tracy Rankins hit a 3 that sparked Savannah State’s game-tying 7-2 run. But Russell Powell hit both his free throws to put Jacksonville up 70-68, and Smith sank his pair for the final margin.
Both Rankins and Patrick Hardy missed 3-point attempts for the Tigers in the final 9 seconds.
Smith, who hit three 3-pointers and eight free throws, passed former Jacksonville player Roger Strickland for fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list. His performance, which was also Smith’s 15th straight game with 10 points or more, gives him 1,696 points in his career.
Smith also had four steals for Jacksonville.
Rashad Hassan scored 19 points to lead the Tigers (8-13).
