Russ Smith may be listed at just 6' but he still managed to thrown down one of the BIGGEST dunks of the year.
Louisville's senior guard posterized Kentucky freshman Julius Randle in a meeting between the intra-state rivals on Saturday at Rupp Arena. After getting a screen from teammate Mangok Mathiang at the top of the key, Smith eluded Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein with a crossover dribble before getting into the paint. With open floor ahead, Smith rose up for the jam. Randle, the Wildcats' standout 6' 9" freshman, attempted to block the shot but only succeeded in getting himself posterized. The dunk pulled No. 6 Louisville within five points of No. 18 Kentucky in the final minute of the first half.
(GIF via @SBNationGIF)
This play was so Russdicilous that even Smith looked a bit startled after the dunk. Of course, he wasn't nearly as taken aback as everyone commenting on the slam on Twitter.
Perhaps inspired Smith's dunk -- or whatever coach Rick Pitino had to say during the intermission -- Louisville would briefly take the lead in the second half. But Kentucky would quickly regain the lead and hold on for a 73-66 win.
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.