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This Week in A-Sun Men's Basketball

Jacksonville's Ben Smith led the Dolphins to their first regular-season conference title.
Courtesy JUDolphins.com

MACON, Ga. - Needing a victory against Belmont to clinch the regular-season title, Jacksonville’s Ben Smith delivered that win for the Dolphins and for his efforts, he claimed the season’s final Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced on Monday.

Smith scored a team-leading 27 points in the 84-82 overtime victory. The scoring accounted for only part of a full stat sheet that included eight assists, six rebounds and five steals. The junior from Dublin, Ga., connected on 10-of-19 shots from the field, including three 3-point field goals.

In two games during the weekend, Smith, a sports administration major, averaged 23.0 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and 2.5 steals per game while shooting better than 45 percent from the field. He dished out 13 assists against only three turnovers in 80 minutes of play.

Smith, an All-Atlantic Sun candidate enters this week’s General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Championship among the conference leaders in a multitude of categories. He ranks in the top 10 in scoring (sixth, 16.7), assists (fourth, 4.0), free-throw percentage (seventh, 79.6), 3-point field goal percentage (37.4) and assist-to-turnover ratio (third, 1.67). He currently leads in minutes per game at 36.1 and shares the top spot in steals, collecting 2.3 per game

The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun stands for achievement with integrity in both the academic and athletic arenas, with a focus on the balance between the two for our student-athletes. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers

Bobby Davis, USC Upstate (Sr. - F - Aiken, S.C. – Business Management) -- Was tremendous in the 93-90 double overtime win over Mercer. Stayed consistent throughout the game and finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds and five assists to lead the Spartans. Scored 14 points, dished out four assists and had a steal after Mercer opened an 18-point lead in the second to force overtime. Sank a pair of free throws with 10 seconds to play to tie the game. Had four of Upstate's 11 points in the first overtime period. Had three of Upstate's eight points in the second overtime period. Took just four shots in the 29-point win over Kennesaw State after Kennesaw double-teamed him nearly every time down the court. Finished with nine points and seven rebounds while opening the floor up for Nick Schneiders (20 points) and Josh Chavis (16 points).

Michael Lusk, Lipscomb (Sr. – G – Marietta, Ga. – Communications) – Senior Day can be emotional days for many players. Lipscomb senior guard Michael Lusk definitely closed out the regular season with a big bang Saturday against Kennesaw State barely missing a triple-double. Lusk scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out nine assists. He also had four steals. With the win the Bisons expanded their winning streak to eight games, the longest ever for Lipscomb against NCAA opponents. Lipscomb head coach Scott Sanderson tabs Lusk as the main guy that has stepped his play the most during the stretch. Over the last seven games, Lusk has connected on 70 percent (14-of-20) of his 3-pointers while averaging 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Lusk had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in Thursday’s 92-82 win over the Atlantic Sun Champion Jacksonville Dolphins. He finished the week averaging 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Lorne Merthie, Campbell (Fr. - G - Sanford, Fla. - Sport Management) -- Merthie led the Camels in scoring for the 4th-straight game -- all victories -- with 19 points Friday against Stetson. CU produced its most successful regular season since 1996 and was the most improved (six more league wins in '09 than in '08) squad in the conference. Over the last 4 games, Merthie is averaging 17.8 points and 2.3 steals, while shooting 56.8 percent from the field, 66.7 percent from 3-point range and 89.5 percent from the free throw line. On the year, he ranks 2nd among A-Sun freshmen in scoring (9.7), while leading the league's frosh in steals (1.62), free throw percentage (.793) and 3-point accuracy (.408).

Courtney Pigram, ETSU (Sr. - G – Memphis, Tenn. – Interdisciplinary Studies) -- Led the Buccaneers to a 2-0 record last week, posting game highs for scoring in both contests ... set the ETSU single-game record for 3-pointers with 10 against Mercer (2/28) on his way to 38 points for the game ... had 16 in the win over Kennesaw State (2/26) ... now stands at 1,972 points for his career heading into the A-Sun Tournament.

Alex Renfroe, Belmont (Sr. – G – Hermitage, Tenn. – Exercise Science/Health) -- Renfroe was nothing short of spectacular this past week, averaging 26.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.0 steals per game as Belmont defeated North Florida, 87-49, and lost to Jacksonville in overtime, 84-82. Renfroe set a career-high and Curb Event Center record against the Dolphins with 38 points. The 38 points are one shy of the Bruin NCAA era single-game record. Moreover, Renfroe added 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season, as well as five assists and four steals. Perhaps even more remarkable, Renfroe scored his 38 points after going scoreless the first 13 minutes of the game. He scored Belmont's final 12 points of the first half and 11 points in the final 2:59 of regulation. He also established new personal and arena records for free attempts in a game with 21. The 6-2 guard had 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists against North Florida Thursday. Renfroe ranks in the Top 10 in the league in eight statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and field goal percentage.