LSU’s Angel Reese absent for second straight game

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey’s Refusal to Explain Angel Reese’s Absence Amid Team’s Strong Performance

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey declined to provide an explanation for star forward Angel Reese’s absence in the team’s recent games. Reese missed her second consecutive game on Monday, a 106-47 home win over Texas Southern. Mulkey stated in a postgame news conference, “You always have to deal with locker room issues. Sometimes you don’t know about it. Sometimes you want to know more than you’re entitled to know. I’m going to protect my players, always. They are more important.”

However, Mulkey did not provide a timetable for Reese’s return. The No. 7 Tigers are set to travel to the Cayman Islands on Wednesday for back-to-back games against Niagara and Virginia on Friday and Saturday. It remains unclear if Reese will join the team for the upcoming games.

Reese, who transferred to LSU from Maryland ahead of the 2022-23 season, was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. This season, she is averaging 17.0 points and 10.3 rebounds in four games.

The Tigers have had a strong start to the season, with multiple high-profile transfers and the top-ranked recruiting class. In their most recent game, five Tigers scored in double figures in Reese’s absence, led by Aneesah Morrow and Flau’jae Johnson with 17 points each.

Mulkey’s refusal to disclose information about Reese’s absence has raised implications about potential team issues. The coach previously expressed disappointment in some individual players after the Tigers’ season opener, a 92-78 loss to then-No. 20 Colorado in Las Vegas, but did not single anyone out.

Reese’s absence has sparked speculation and curiosity among fans and analysts. The enigmatic situation has added a layer of intrigue to the Tigers’ season as they continue to make strides in the competitive world of college basketball.

Historic Background:
Angel Reese’s absence from the LSU women’s basketball team has generated significant attention and intrigue among fans and analysts. As a star forward and the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, her absence raises questions about the team’s dynamics and potential challenges they may be facing. Additionally, LSU’s strong start to the season, with multiple high-profile transfers and the top-ranked recruiting class, further adds to the interest surrounding the team’s performance and dynamics.