As Team USA dives deeper into the group phases of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, a recent moment had Angel Reese’s mother jumping into the scene.

The Chicago Sky star was essential for Team USA’s staggering 91-48 win over Puerto Rico on March 12. Reese recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. But seeing her daughter accumulating 4 fouls, Angel Webb Reese had to jump in X.

“These FIBA refs”, wrote Webb Reese on March 13, clearly criticising the referees. Because, as per the FIBA Rules, 5 fouls lead to ejection. And Reese was only one foul away from being removed from the game, which she had just played for 16 minutes.

However, Mama Reese’s frustration did not last long. As the USA clinched a 43-point victory, she returned to X, celebrating with a single line, “2 Down 3 more to go”. But her mother wasn’t the only one defending the 23-year-old Reese.

Caitlin Clark Defended Angel Reese

The Indiana Fever Guard and the Sky Forward’s on-court rivalry stretched from their collegiate days to the WNBA. However, wearing the Team USA jersey on the hardwood brought out a unique solidarity between the two.

During the opening game against Senegal on March 12, Reese was involved in a play where a foul was not called. And Clark could be seen immediately approaching the official, protesting that Reese had been fouled on possession.

These two being on the same roster was enough reason for many to go berserk. And such a gesture highlighted what Clark initially said about Reese, “We're not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another.”

Three more games to win and seize the ticket to Berlin in September. For their next game, Team USA will take the paint against Italy on March 14.

What kind of new moment do you think will come to the surface that day?

Follow She Got Game for more

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy