Newcomer Alex Smith understands the Paul Bunyan-like stories of Garret Siler.

The 7-foot, 291-pound All-American center, who graduated in May, led NCAA Division II in field goal percentage the past three seasons. More importantly, Siler helped lead Augusta State to consecutive Final Four appearances the past two years.

"I know he left a legacy," Smith said. "Those are some big shoes to fill."

The Jaguars' new center got off to a hot start, posting a game-high 18 points in No. 10 Augusta State's 84-53 exhibition win over Aiken Tech in front of 1,104 fans Wednesday night at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Smith, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound senior transfer from William & Mary, was 6 for 6 from the field and went 6 for 7 from the foul line. He added six boards and three assists in 20 minutes.

Augusta State coach Dip Metress related the size of Smith, in comparison to Siler, to an amusement park where you have to be a certain height to ride.

"You don't have to have a certain size to play inside," he said. "Alex proved that tonight."

Senior forward Fred Brathwaite, who lost 19 pounds during the off-season, proved himself as well. Brathwaite, who said he doesn't feel as tired on the floor this season, shot 5 for 9 from the field for 13 points and added seven rebounds and four assists in 20 minutes.

Brathwaite worked on his game and his conditioning during the off-season. His motivation? Augusta State's four-point defeat to Cal Poly Pomona in the Final Four, which prevented the Jaguars from playing in a second consecutive national title game.

"I don't want that to happen again," Brathwaite said.

Earlier this week, Metress was concerned about Aiken Tech, which defeated Division II power Benedict in an exhibition game Monday. But the Jaguars never gave the Knights a chance to get into the game.

Augusta State established Smith inside early, and he responded with six consecutive points. He later put back All-American guard Ben Madgen's missed layup to stake the Jaguars to a 19-7 advantage.

Junior guard Caleb Brown swished a 3-pointer from the corner, the Jaguars' first three of the game with 9:50 left before halftime, for a 26-11 lead. Brown came off the bench for 10 points.

Late in the first half, Brathwaite took a home-run, inbounds pass from Madgen for a fast-break dunk. Fouled on the play, Brathwaite drained the free throw to extend the Augusta State lead to 41-15.

The Jaguars led by 23 at intermission and were never threatened in the second half.

Augusta State shot 60 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle, 43-17. Senior point guard Daniel Dixon drained three 3-pointers and finished with 12 points in 18 minutes.

Madgen shot 4 for 7 from the field for nine points. He added four boards and two assists in 22 minutes.

Augusta State heads to Division I Winston-Salem State for a closed scrimmage Saturday. The Jaguars' next exhibition game will come Tuesday night at Alabama.