LSU star Angel Reese The handshake line commotion after the Tigers’ 78-69 win over UCLA in the Sweet 16 on Saturday was caused by an assistant coach “saying something a little crazy.”
Broadcast cameras captured the tense moment where Reese appeared to say something to someone. UCLA line.
Angel Reese (10) of the LSU Tigers faces Christine Iuala (22) of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena on March 30, 2024 in Albany, New York. (years old). (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Initial speculation was that Reese had exchanged words with Bruins head coach Cori Crouse, who seemed upset by what Reese said to the UCLA bench after Reese was ejected for a foul with 30 seconds left. Ta. However, she clarified that her words were directed at the assistant coach.
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Asked about the incident during LSU’s postgame press conference, Reese said of Close, “Yeah, she said, ‘Good game.’
“The other coach was talking a little strange.”
When asked for further clarification, Rees replied: “Next question.”
Angel Reese, 10, of the LSU Tigers dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 at MVP Arena on March 30, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
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The problems appeared to begin when Reese fouled out in the final minutes of the game. On her way to the bench, she looked over her shoulder and appeared to say something to the UCLA bench.
An emboldened Crow discussed the matter with officials, but was reportedly angry that a technical foul was not called.
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“That’s not who we are,” Close said of Rees’ accusations after the game.
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close speaks to his team during a game against the LSU Tigers during the Sweet 16 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena on March 30, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photo, Getty Images)
“I don’t want to say anything about the Angels. I’m just going to talk about what the Bruins are. And the Bruins are classy and they talk life to each other. And we’re not going to give it away — We would never do that, and especially from my coach…absolutely not.
Fraujai Johnson had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Reese recorded his 26th double-double of the season, moving LSU closer to its second straight title.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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