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Smith leads Jacksonville past Buffalo 83-73

Dec 30, 2009 - 1:22 AM ORLANDO, Fla.(AP) -- Ben Smith scored 23 points to lead Jacksonville to an 83-73 victory over Buffalo on Tuesday.

Smith had his third straight 20-point game as the Dolphins (2-7) snapped a three-game losing streak. Smith finished 7-for-13 from the floor and 5-for-8 from 3-point range in the semifinals of the UCF Holiday Classic.

Jacksonville had its best defensive effort of the season, holding the Bulls (6-4) to 39.1 percent shooting from the field (25-for-64) and 8-for-26 from beyond the arc.

After the Dolphins led 39-31 at halftime, Buffalo used a 9-2 run to pull within 41-40, but could get no closer.

Ayron Hardy, who broke his nose against East Tennessee State on Dec. 21 and wore a mask, added 16 points for Jacksonville, which shot 26-for-51 from the field and 9-for-18 from long range.

Rodney Pierce scored 26 points for the Bulls while Calvin Betts had 23 points and 11 rebounds.