After a four-game absence, Angel Reese is back with the LSU Tigers. In a press conference, Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey announced “Angel’s back.” Junior guard Kateri Poole is still not with the team.
“It’s a boost having her back,” Mulkey said in a press conference. “She’s a tremendous player, one of the best in the country. She gives us a good matchup with [Elizabeth] Kitley, but it’s not just for this game — it’s for the rest of the season.”
The No.7 Tigers take on the No.9 Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday night.
Reese posted on social media: “Please don’t believe everything you read.”
Reese was benched in the second half of LSU’s fourth game against Kent State on Nov. 14. Mulkey said it was a “coach’s decision.” Reese missed the Nov. 17 game against Southeastern Louisiana and the Nov. 20 game against Texas Southern, both LSU wins. The Tigers then flew to the Cayman Islands for the Cayman Islands Classic, but Reese didn’t join them, missing wins against Niagara and Virginia.
In Reese’s absence, Aneesah Morrow has played well; she scored 37 points on Saturday against Virginia and is now averaging 18.1 points per game.
In four games played, Reese is averaging 17 points and 10.3 rebounds on 46.9% shooting from the field. Having Reese back gives the Tigers more scoring punch and rebounding. Reese is needed back with the injury to sophomore Sa’Mayah Smith; she suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus.
“It’s just so sad for her, because she’s improved by leaps and bounds,” Mulkey said. “Angel being back kind of helps, but there’s no substitute for the value of Sa’Myah and what she’s meant.”
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