During the Tigers' 73-50 victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Friday, standout player Angel Reese was not present for whatever reason, according to LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey
LSU (4-1) went to University Center in Hammond, Louisiana, and Reese did not suit up. Mulkey did not provide a reason for Reese's absence, but instead was straightforward in reassuring everyone that she remains a member of the team.
"Angel was not wearing a uniform," Mulkey declared. "We hope Angel returns to the basketball squad soon. She is a member of this group. I won't respond to questions beyond that.
Reese was benched for the second half of the Tigers' previous game against Kent State, a move that Kim Mulkey described as a "coach's decision." Reese was a key player in last season's national title run.
Reese scored a season-low 11 points with five assists in the 109-79 victory over Kent State despite playing a season-low 14 minutes.
Reese rebounded from LSU's season-opening defeat to Colorado by outperforming Queen University with 28 points and 14 rebounds in the second game of the season.
After starting in each of LSU's first four games, Reese is averaging 17 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Despite shooting 46.9% from the field, she has failed to make any of her five attempts at 3-point range.
Mulkey was direct in confirming that Reese is still part of the team without giving a specific cause for her absence. "Angel was not in uniform," Mulkey said. "Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope she's back with the team soon. I'm not gonna answer any more than that."