LSU’s Angel Reese Explains Why She Avoided Fracas vs. South Carolina

The LSU Tigers forward wisely stayed out of the fray during Sunday’s SEC tournament championship game.

Women’s college basketball fans and observers couldn’t help but notice that LSU star Angel Reese seemingly went out of her way to not get involved in a scuffle that broke out between the Tigers and South Carolina during the SEC tournament championship game Sunday afternoon in Greenville, S.C.  

Reese walked away from the fracas as players from both teams engaged in a shoving match with 2:08 left. After the game, Reese took to X, formerly Twitter, to explain why she decided to walk away from the situation. Six players were ejected (four from South Carolina, two from LSU), and the Gamecocks went on to win, 79–72.

“As a person at my STATUS, sometimes you have to walk away from certain situations. Mind you the play before that I had rolled my ankle AGAIN and was already walking to the bench. I ALWAYS ride for mine. I’m super proud of this team & super excited for march,” Reese wrote Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter. 

Reese essentially explained that an athlete of her stature needs to be the bigger person sometimes. Indeed, the decision assures that Reese avoided possible suspension as the Tigers prepare for the NCAA tournament. Conversely, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso will be suspended for her team’s NCAA opener after shoving LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, an action which provoked the scuffle.

Reese’s coach, Kim Mulkey, took a different approach in her postgame presser, telling reporters she “wished [Cardoso] would’ve pushed Angel Reese.”

LSU forward Angel Reese recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds in Sunday’s SEC tournament championship game against South Carolina / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Mulkey was referring to the 6’7” Cardoso engaging the 5’10” Johnson instead of a bigger player, such as the 6’3” Reese. But when cooler heads prevail, it’s likely Mulkey will agree with her star player’s decision to not get involved. 

LSU (28—5) and South Carolina (32—0) now turn their attention to the NCAA tournament selection show, scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.