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NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Championship-Louisiana State vs Iowa Apr 2, 2023 Dallas, TX, USA LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts from the sideline in the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half during the final round of the Women s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Dallas American Airlines Center TX USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20230402_add_al2_092
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NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Championship-Louisiana State vs Iowa Apr 2, 2023 Dallas, TX, USA LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts from the sideline in the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half during the final round of the Women s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Dallas American Airlines Center TX USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20230402_add_al2_092
The LSU Tigers faced an early-season setback to Colorado, but they have bounced back well. There are reports suggesting that Angel Reese and Kim Mulkey are having issues. On their recent trip to Southeast Louisiana, the seventh-ranked Tigers played without All-America forward Angel Reese. She was benched for the second half of LSU’s 109-79 win over Kent State on Tuesday, which led to her unexpected absence from the starting lineup.
Mulkey did not elaborate on the reason, stating it was a “coach’s decision.” On Thursday, Mulkey avoided a social media controversy question, but she was more direct in criticizing the team’s veteran players.
Kim Mulkey snubs the reporter
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Reese made history by becoming just the fourth player ever to lead the South-eastern Conference in both scoring (23 points per game) and rebounding (15.4 per game) in the previous season. In his first four starts for LSU, Reese averaged 17 points and 10.3 rebounds, helping the team to a 3-1 record
A recent social media altercation between Reese’s mother and LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, involving former members of the 2023 national championship team, Alexis Morris and Jasmine Carson, raised concerns about instability within the Tigers.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 2, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey speaks to members of the media after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the final round of the Women’s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
When Reese’s performance declined and she suddenly went absent, it raised eyebrows, and reporters swarmed Kim Mulkey, LSU’s coach, with questions about the situation. Unfortunately, the timing was not ideal, as Mulkey lost her composure and dismissed all the inquiries.
“You want me to explain why?It’s very obvious Angel was not in uniform. Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope to see her sooner rather than later.I’m not going to answer anymore. That’s it. That’s all y’all need to know,” says Kim Mulkey during the press meeting.
Read More:Amid Risen Tension Around Angel Reese and Kim Mulkey, LSU Glide Past Tough Test
Who took charge of instead?
Flau’jae Johnson, instead of her partner Angel Reese, took charge and steered the Lady Tigers towards a victory. The LSU Tigers’ gifted No. 4 player had a strong performance, scoring 10 and 17 points. She also pocketed three assists in addition to this.
Johnson didn’t let Angel Reese’s absence, an All-American forward, to have an impact on the team’s performance. Aneesah Morrow, who finished the game with ten points and eleven rebounds, joined in the fun as well.
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