"Angel Reese's mother responds to Caitlin Clark supporters following LSU homecoming event, describing their behavior as 'embarrassing'."
A LSU Homecoming Fails to stun for Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky
When Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky squad squared off against the Brazil national team in the battleground of LSU on a Friday night, fans anticipated a spectacular homecoming for the Bayou Barbie. However, the event didn't quite deliver the anticipated thrill.
Although the Sky triumphantly conquered the Brazilians 89-62, fans couldn't help but notice the unimpressive turnout. Reese, who had gained fame and won a national championship in 2023 under Kim Mulkey while at LSU, had planned to showcase her talents in her home environment.
Chicago Sky's rookie Hailey Van Lith also returned to LSU after spending a season there before transferring to TCU Horned Frogs. Both players, who had built their brands at LSU, had hoped that their homecoming would be celebrated with a packed house.
"I created my brand there," Reese said in the lead-up to the game.
"I became the Bayou Barbie there. I won a national championship there. That's home for me."
However, the evening fell short of expectations as only 6,373 spectators attended the preseason contest, leaving the PMAC's 13,215-seat upper bowl empty. Fans took to social media to express their dismay, criticizing the attendance and the lack of LSU fans in the stands.
"Where all the LSU fans at?? Why isn't Angel Reese's homecoming game at LSU sold out??? The upper bowl is empty!!!" wrote one disgruntled fan.
In stark contrast, a recent preseason game between Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever featured unprecedented interest. Clark's college homecoming game against Brazil at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on May 4 saw tickets sell out within 27 minutes, with resale prices topping $400 for a pre-season clash.
Even though the turnout for Reese's homecoming was less than ideal, the forward still managed to shine on the court, posting 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals in just 16 minutes. As she prepares for the upcoming WNBA season, Reese has her sights set on even greater achievements.
"I'm still doing my post work, but I've got to come with more this year," she told the Chicago Tribune.
"I've got to be able to shoot the mid-range shot, 10 to 15 feet, be able to shoot the 3, the 2 consistently. I work every day on it, so I've got to take the shots."
As the WNBA regular season begins on May 17, Reese's Sky will take on Clark's Fever in an exciting season-opener. Let's hope the fans show up to witness these two powerhouses in action.
- Despite the high expectations, Angel Reese's homecoming game with the Chicago Sky at LSU was disappointingly sparsely attended, with only 6,373 spectators in a stadium that seats 13,215.
- In a stark contrast, a preseason game featuring Caitlin Clark in her college homecoming game against Brazil sold out within minutes, with ticket prices reaching $400 for a pre-season match.
- While the turnout was less than ideal for Reese's homecoming, she still managed to dominate on the court, scoring 15 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, and recording 2 steals in just 16 minutes.
- Reflecting on her performance and the upcoming WNBA season, Reese expressed her desire to improve her shooting range, aiming to consistently hit mid-range shots, 10 to 15 feet, and 3-pointers.
- As both the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever prepare for their season-opening matchup on May 17, fans are hoping for a better attendance to witness these two promising players, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, in action.
