It’s been quite some time since Angel Reese is nowhere to be seen in the LSU lineup. Her absence seemed effective after she was benched in the second half of LSU’s victory matchup over Kent State. Although the step is seen as the head coach’s decision, fans are drawing their narrative of the situation. Moreover, what happened next completely blew things out of the way.

The Lady Tigers stunned many when their starting lineup lacked last season’s Most Outstanding Player, in the matchup against the Southeastern Louisiana University. This was the second time when the team action raised eyebrows this season. And with that, many questions made their course toward the Tigers for answers. One such question is still lingering – Does the Lady Tigers make a better team without Reese?

Lady Tigers in absence of Angel Reese

Without a doubt, the LSU Lady Tigers are a strong team. Having a rich legacy, the former ‘Ben-Gals’ made it to the AIAW national championship game in their second season only. Over the years, this team has made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, including last season’s victory. Moreover, they’ve made 14 Sweet Sixteen, 8 Elite Eight, and 5 Final Four appearances, along with winning the SEC regular championship thrice and the SEC Tournament championship twice. All this happened long before Angel Reese arrived on the team.

The LSU’s recent matchup against the Southeastern Louisiana University’s Lady Lions was the first game the Tigers played without Angel. Even though her absence prevailed on the court, however, the team handled the pressure very well.

Notably, the sold-out Pride Roofing University Center witnessed a hard-fought battle between the Lady Lions and the defending National Champions LSU Lady Tigers. The Lions went toe-to-toe with the Tigers and tied the first quarter to a score of 8-8. Then taking a one-point lead, the Lions finished the second quarter at 21-20.

Moreover, by the end of the third quarter, the Tigers set the momentum for the rest of the game by taking a 15-point run and outscoring SLU with a 22-7 lead. Flau’jae Johnson added 17 points and 11 rebounds, bringing the night to a close. Meanwhile, Mikaylah Williams became the second-leading scorer with 13 points at a shooting percentage of 66% from the field.

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Despite the Lions’ untiring efforts, the Tigers beat them down. However, on and off, it did become a neck-to-neck run for the win.

Lady Tigers in presence of Angel Reese

With regard to all of LSU’s history, it was Angel’s addition that finally proved to be fruitful. The team won the national championship for the first time. And much of that had to do with Angel’s unapologetic personality and dedicated character that broke many barriers, even at the time when she fought with a depressing foot injury.

Having basketball running in her blood, Angel grew up in an environment surrounded by the sport, as both her parents were basketball players. She has been winning many awards and honors since high school. However, when we talk about her off-court presence, she is generous and unapologetically upfront about her life, sharing her experiences as lessons from the young generation. Her foundation ‘The Angel C. Reese Foundation’ focuses on empowering young girls and women through sports, education, financial literacy, and other initiatives. This speaks volumes of how a person she is.

However, it cannot be said whether the team will clinch another ring in Angel’s presence. But her aura has indeed created a difference in the LSU locker room ever since she left Maryland for the team. Coach Mulkey is mindful of her impact and that’s why cleared rumors recently: “Angel is a part of this basketball team & we hope to see her sooner than later.” 

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Evidently, the coach’s comments give the much-needed assurance to the LSU fandom that Angel will return sooner or later. And once she does, the championship hype will return to rule the roost the NCAA season once again.