Angel Reese claims UCLA assistant coach was ‘talking a little crazy’ in handshake line.
Following LSU’s 78-69 win in the Sweet 16, star Angel Reese was asked about the postgame handshake where she appeared to have a few words for UCLA players and coaches.
While it can’t quite be made out as to what Reese said in the handshake line, she didn’t appear happy. Allegedly, there was a lot of trash talking.
Reese’s response was short and simple and she declined to comment further. The LSU star also said it was not directed nor was it UCLA head coach Cori Close who said something.
“She told me good game,” Reese said postgame. “It was another coach that was talking a little crazy.”
Reese finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds and one assist. The No. 3 seeded LSU Tigers will await the winner of Iowa and Colorado in the Elite Eight.
Guard Flau’jae Johnson was phenomenal in the win, scoring a game-high 24 points in the contest on 7-of-11 shooting, which included a 2-of-2 mark from beyond the 3-point line.
She took over in the final frame, securing a key rebound in the waning moments to finally put some distance between the two teams.
“I’ve been focused. I’ve been in the gym. I’ve been locked in,” Johnson told ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game. “Every day I’m in the gym putting in that work, every day.
Because I know people are going to discredit me because I rap and I hoop, so I know I’ve got to go extra hard. So that’s what I do, I be in the gym.”
Reese fouled out in the final moment, but by then the Tigers had secured the contest.
It was a serious battle on the boards. And though the Tigers lost the battle to the Bruins 44-38, it was competitive enough to keep LSU within striking distance throughout. UCLA big Lauren Betts scored 14 points and secured 17 boards, but she wasn’t allowed to completely take over the game.
Man, I mean coach Bob (Starkey) told us before the game, ‘No rebounds, no rings,’” Reese said of the emphasis going into the game. “So we knew we had to rebound. Lauren Betts is a great player, playing with her this summer was amazing. So being able to be composed and dominant this game was important.”