In a Cayman Islands Classic matchup, LSU’s women’s basketball team faced a series of challenges, both on and off the court. The No. 7 Tigers secured a 99-65 victory over Niagara, but the win came at the cost of significant absences and an unfortunate injury.
Star players Angel Reese and Kateri Poole were notably absent, leaving fans curious about their whereabouts. Coach Kim Mulkey provided limited details, stating, “You will know when she [Reese] comes back. Obviously, she’s not with us.” Poole’s absence remains shrouded in mystery, with Mulkey indicating she will share more upon the team’s return to Baton Rouge.
The game against Niagara took an unfortunate turn when Sa’Myah Smith suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter. Known for her stellar performance this season, Smith’s absence is a blow to the team. Mulkey expressed concern about the injury, saying, “We’ll get back and do an MRI and see about swelling. It doesn’t look too good.”
The pregame warmups faced an unexpected delay due to a fire alarm, causing a 40-minute interruption. The evacuation of John Gray Gymnasium added another layer of challenge to the team’s Cayman Islands experience. Angel Reese, absent from the court since mid-November, continues to be a point of intrigue. Coach Mulkey had previously stated, “You always have to deal with locker room issues,” emphasizing the importance of protecting players and respecting their privacy.
The Tigers, led by Aneesah Morrow and Hailey Van Lith, demonstrated resilience on the court despite the adversities. Morrow’s impressive performance, contributing 28 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, showcased the depth of talent within the team.
As LSU faces Virginia in the tournament and prepares for a challenging matchup against No. 9 Virginia Tech, the team navigates uncertainties, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability needed in the dynamic world of collegiate basketball.
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