Angel Reese on Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: 'I'm praying for Baltimore right now'
Angel Reese is looking to lead the LSU Tigers to back-to-back titles at the moment, but her heart is with the City of Baltimore.
Reese is feeling the pain of the entire area, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, as she was born and raised in Baltimore. Ahead of the Tigers’ Sweet 16 matchup at the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, she took some time to send her thoughts and prayers to Baltimore.
“My prayers are to everyone that hasn’t been found yet, and the ones that are found and are still suffering from injuries,” Reese told the media. “I’m praying for Baltimore right now, and I hope everything gets resolved.”
Continuing, Reese shared that her aunt used to drive over the bridge every day for work, “And we drive over it to get to her house,” she added, providing some added context. “So, I’m not sure the route she’s taking right now or if she’s been able to go to work since then.”
Additionally, Reese’s brother Julian Reese is also near the damages, as he’s currently a power forward for the Maryland Terrapins. Earlier this week, he announced he’d be returning to the program for another season, as he looks to continue his family’s success at the collegiate level.
It’s evident Reese will have more than just the hopes of LSU on her mind when she gets to the Sweet 16. However, she added that she’s far from distracted, and the Tigers will be ready to keep fighting in the NCAA Tournament.
“We’re not distracted,” Reese said, regarding what she’s dealing with and the questions surrounding her head coach in Kim Mulkey. “We’re still focused on the main goal.”
Last season, we saw Reese’s star turn during the NCAA Tournament, and another title would cement her legacy at LSU and in college basketball as a whole. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, she’s averaged 18.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.
In their last game in the Round of 32, Reese amassed 20 points and 11 rebounds in LSU’s 83-56 victory over Middle Tennessee State. It was closer than some expected at points, but the Tigers were able to pull away with a strong second half.
The Tigers will face the UCLA Bruins on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. We’ll see if Angel Reese is able to lead LSU to victory, as she continues to keep the entire City of Baltimore on her mind moving forward.