Ben Simmons’ ferocious reverse dunk in LSU loss

AUSSIE LSU star Ben Simmons took out his frustrations at his side’s loss with this incredible aerial display.

BATON ROUGE, LA - DECEMBER 22: Ben Simmons #25 of the LSU Tigers handles the ball during a game against the American University Eagles at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on December 22, 2015 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game 79-51. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

EACH week, Ben Simmons adds another reason to the season-long list that will likely see him at the top of the 2016 NBA draft.

So what made you think this week would be any different?

During LSU’s game against Wake Forest on Wednesday, the Aussie forward posted one of his more spectacular plays of the season.

Clearly frustrated with his side being down by eight points as the second half came to a close, Simmons launched a ferocious right-handed reverse dunk.

[ESPN Video] Ben Simmons takes out frustration with reverse dunk: Trailing late to Wake Forest, L... https://t.co/kCrwiaQGe4 #WakeForest

— Wake Forest Deacons (@BR_WakeForest) December 30, 2015

“Simmons, with a classy finish, still only counts for two,” commentators said.

Despite his efforts throughout the game, the Australian wasn’t able to bring home the win.

Ben Simmons just threw down a ridiculous dunk, but unless it's worth eight points, LSU is going to lose again.

— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) December 30, 2015

Speaking after his side’s 77-71 loss, the 2015 Gatorade National Player of the Year said the other team simply wanted it more.

“We just played bad. We didn’t have a good game. I think we lost the game. It came down to who wanted it more. Every game is a test. We knew they were a good team coming in,” Simmons said.

“Next game, we really have to prepare and be ready to take off.”

The 19-year-old Simmons scored 21 points and collected 12 rebounds to go with two blocks and an assist as LSU lost to Wake Forest at home in Baton Rouge.

Expected to be drafted to the NBA next year as the No.1 pick, Simmons has had a mixed start to his likely one and only college basketball season while usually posting impressive stats for a team not rated in the top echelon.

Simmons went into the game against the now 9-3 Wake Forrest averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds a game, but with defeat, LSU slipped to a 7-5 record.

He had four turnovers in the first half against Wake Forest, and five for the game, and his single highlight of the opening stanza was an alley-oop dunk in the final three minutes — his only registered field goal attempt of the half.

His second period was more promising, yielding 15 points and two blocks.

Simmons finished the game 5-8 from the field and 11-16 from the free-throw line, as he led LSU in scoring and rebounds.

But the side’s record of 7-5 is underwhelming, especially given the hype surrounding Simmons’ arrival as the No.1 freshman basketball prospect in the country.

LSU now move to Southeastern Conference play and travel to Nashville to play Vanderbilt on January 2.

— with AAP

Originally published as Ben Simmons’ ferocious reverse dunk in LSU loss