Angel Reese calls for respect, takes blame for South Carolina loss

Thursday didn’t go as hoped for LSU and star forward Angel Reese. She fouled out and the Tigers lost a game to South Carolina as the Gamecocks continued their reign over the SEC.

But after the loss, Reese took to social media to make sure people know she’s still fighting to be top dog. She does not appear ready to have the loss serve as a major set back, even taking blame for it.

“I’m a DAWG. Respect me. This game was on me but I’m rocking with my girls day in & day out! GEAUX TIGERS!” Reese said.

I’m a DAWG. Respect me. This game was on me but I’m rocking with my girls day in & day out! GEAUX TIGERS! 💛💜

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) January 26, 2024

Reese finished with 15 points and eight rebounds before fouling out of the 76-70 loss.

Reese wasn’t the only one processing the loss last night

It’s clear to see the kind of competitor that Kim Mulkey is in each game that she coaches. That’s why, after losing in Baton Rouge in a primetime, Top-10 matchup against No. 1 South Carolina on Thursday, she may not have gotten much shuteye afterward.

Mulkey spoke about how she felt leaving the game last night during her postgame press conference following the 76-70 loss for No. 9 LSU to the Gamecocks. No matter how close the Tigers were, a defeat is still a defeat and, as such, she wasn’t going to be anything but disappointed as she headed home for the night.

“I’m not into moral victories. Never have been,” said Mulkey. “We had opportunities to win this game and we didn’t.”

“I’m sure I’ll toss and turn all night. Don’t know if I’ll sleep much but that’s a personality deal,” Mulkey said.

LSU, the defending champions, led by as much as 11 inside a packed arena against the top-ranked team in the nation. They had it around double-digits, or at least two possessions or more, for most of the first half. That included a lead of as much as seven in the second half and five early in the fourth quarter.

Still, over the course of the game, the Tigers never truly put South Carolina away. After doing plenty of things right in the contest, the Gamecocks were still right there in it near the end. Then, after Reese fouled out with four minutes to go, the No. 1 team closed on an 11-3 run.

However, even amidst her clear frustration, Mulkey doesn’t want to take away from the energy in their building for the game. She shared her appreciation for what their fanbase brought to the game in what unfortunately turned into a losing effort.

“I’m extremely proud of LSU, the atmosphere,” Mulkey said. “What we created here, what we have created here in three years now. It doesn’t get any better than what you experienced tonight.”