In a thrilling NCAA Tournament game, LSU’s Angel Reese bid farewell to Middle Tennessee player Anastasiia Boldyreva after she was disqualified from the game due to fouling out. Reese’s emotional display and wave goodbye to Boldyreva showcased her passion and intensity on the court.
The game between LSU and Middle Tennessee was a close one, with LSU overcoming a four-point halftime deficit and a nine-point second-half deficit to secure an 83-56 victory and advance to the Sweet 16. Reese, along with Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, played pivotal roles in the second-half comeback, contributing 24 of the Tigers’ 27 points in the third quarter.
Reese’s impactful play extended beyond scoring points. In a crucial moment, she drew a foul against Boldyreva near the paint, resulting in the Middle Tennessee center picking up her fifth foul and being forced to leave the court early. Unable to contain her emotions, Reese waved goodbye to Boldyreva as she walked off the court.
The LSU star’s wave caught the attention of fans and media alike. Boldyreva appeared visibly upset with the call and had an animated conversation with one of her coaches before storming off in near tears. Reese addressed the attention her wave received, tweeting, “clickbait everything I do keep going viral.”
While Reese’s wave generated buzz, LSU’s overall performance in the game was commendable. The team displayed a strong defensive effort in the second half, limiting Middle Tennessee to just 28 percent shooting from the field and 17 percent from beyond the arc. This defensive clinic played a significant role in LSU’s victory.
Looking ahead, LSU will face the winner of the Creighton versus UCLA matchup in the Sweet 16. The team is inching closer to a potential rematch with Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight, which promises to be an exciting matchup.
LSU has been in the spotlight throughout the season, not only for their on-court success but also for off-court controversies. Coach Kim Mulkey recently threatened to sue the Washington Post over an alleged “hit piece” they were working on about her. While the details of the article are unclear, Mulkey was sent a list of questions by the publication, indicating that they have some information that could potentially be damaging.
In conclusion, Angel Reese’s emotional farewell to Anastasiia Boldyreva added a dramatic touch to LSU’s victory over Middle Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament. Reese’s passion and intensity were evident in her play and her wave goodbye to Boldyreva. With their impressive comeback win, LSU advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face either Creighton or UCLA. The team’s defensive prowess and overall performance have solidified them as one of the top teams in the country. However, off-court controversies, such as Coach Mulkey’s threat to sue the Washington Post, have also garnered attention. All eyes are now on LSU as they continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament.
