LSU’s women’s basketball team is back in the Elite Eight after a hard-fought 80-73 win over No. 2 seed NC State in the Sweet 16. Unlike their blowout victory over the Wolfpack in November, this one was a battle. The Tigers had to grind it out, relying on offensive rebounds and late-game execution to punch their ticket.

As the final buzzer sounded, Angel Reese wasted no time reacting to Aneesah Morrow’s dominant performance, posting a three-word appreciation on social media: “Nees The BEAST”

Reese’s tweet was a clear nod to Aneesah Morrow. She dominated with 30 points and 19 rebounds, securing her 30th double-double of the season. Just for good measure, she added three steals and two blocks. Her energy on the glass and ability to finish inside gave LSU exactly what they needed. She and Reese are now the only SEC players since 2000 to record a 30/15 game in the NCAA Tournament. It wasn’t just a great night—it was historic.

Morrow has been dominant all season. She led the nation in rebounds per game and became just the second Division I player to notch at least 100 career double-doubles. She’s been LSU’s most consistent force alongside Reese. That connection was clear when Reese followed up with another tweet:“Me and Nees [are going to] be killing each other for rebounds in the W.”

That’s a bold claim from someone who just set the WNBA rookie rebounding record. But if anyone can match that intensity, it’s Morrow.

Meanwhile, Flau’jae Johnson had a rough night. She struggled offensively, finishing with just three points on 1-of-8 shooting. A hard fall chasing a loose ball only added to her frustration.

Reese’s tweet felt like more than just praise—it looked like a message. Everyone knows she and Flau’jae aren’t as close as they once were. Reese admitted it herself on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.”“We aren’t as close as we used to be… but there’s no hard feelings.”

Johnson later echoed that, saying she still supports Reese, but their friendship isn’t the same. The tension has been brewing for a while. It started in late 2023 when Reese’s mom called out Johnson’s grammar online. More recently, Johnson and Morrow left Reese out when listing their basketball inspirations.

Now, with Morrow stepping up and Reese backing her, the message is clear—Reese is rolling with Morrow. Johnson’s struggles and Morrow’s dominance only made that choice easier. Whether intentional or not, Reese’s tweet added to the ongoing LSU drama. But for Reese, this wasn’t just about team dynamics—it was personal.

Angel Reese Calls LSU’s Sweet 16 Win ‘Personal’

LSU’s 80-73 Sweet 16 win over NC State wasn’t just about moving on in the tournament—it was personal for Angel Reese. And she made sure everyone knew it.

Back in February, when NC State hosted Notre Dame, a picture went viral of NC State coach Wes Moore posing with a fan holding a sign that said “Angel Reese Stinks.” Reese had nothing to do with that game, but she saw it online and fired back.

“Rent free. LITERALLY. Condos in y’all head. LITERALLY,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). After LSU knocked NC State out of the tournament, Reese had one more message. “Oh, and that win was personal. THANK YA.” She added some emojis to drive the point home.

There is some doubt over whether the photo—allegedly taken in February on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay in Raleigh before the NC State-Notre Dame game—was real or photoshopped. But Reese clearly believed it.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey, however, didn’t seem to share the same grudge. Before the game, she was spotted exchanging a friendly greeting with the longtime NC State coach.

Reese may be in the WNBA now, but she still keeps up with LSU. She helped build the program into what it is today under Mulkey, and she’ll be back in Baton Rouge soon. Her Chicago Sky team is playing a preseason game at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center on May 2 against the Brazilian national team.

“Angel played a major role in establishing our program at LSU, and I know our fans are going to be excited to have her back,” Mulkey said. College or pros, one thing is clear—Reese doesn’t forget.