In a game that was already filled with high drama and intensity, the LSU Tigers’ star forward Angel Reese found herself in a pivotal moment that ultimately led to her crashing out of the contest after picking up a crucial foul. But while Reese’s exit was a huge blow to LSU’s hopes, it was the subsequent actions of Lexi Hull that truly stole the spotlight and shocked the entire basketball world.

The clash between LSU and Stanford was already set to be a marquee matchup, with both teams boasting incredible talent and a fierce rivalry. However, what happened during the final minutes of the game will be remembered for a long time—not just for Reese’s controversial foul but for Lexi Hull’s heroics, which came at a time when her team needed it most.

Angel Reese’s Disastrous Foul: A Turning Point

With the game on the line and LSU down by just a few points, Angel Reese—a dominant force throughout the season—had been playing her usual aggressive style. However, in an attempt to stop a fast-break layup, Reese made a risky play and fouled Stanford’s Hannah Jump with less than two minutes left in the game. The foul was deemed unnecessary, and Reese, already on her fourth foul of the night, was immediately sent to the bench.

The crowd’s reaction was a mixture of shock and disappointment, with many fans questioning whether the foul was a lack of discipline or just a result of playing too aggressively. LSU coach Kim Mulkey was visibly frustrated, pacing along the sidelines, knowing that losing her star player at this crucial juncture would hurt their chances of pulling off a late-game comeback.

“I think Angel made a mistake, but you know, she plays with so much heart. I don’t fault her,” Mulkey said post-game. “In a game like this, emotions run high. But it’s a tough lesson to learn. We can’t afford to make those kinds of mistakes in these moments.”

Reese, who had been LSU’s top scorer with 22 points and 12 rebounds, could only watch from the bench as her team fought to stay in the game without her. The foul seemed to take the wind out of the Tigers’ sails, and they struggled to regain their rhythm.

Lexi Hull Steals the Show: A Moment for the Ages

Just as it looked like LSU might hold on for a narrow victory despite Reese’s foul, Lexi Hull, Stanford’s senior guard, had something else in mind. Hull, who had been quietly effective all night, seized the moment and delivered an unforgettable performance that left fans stunned.

With under a minute to go and the game tied at 75-75, Hull took control. After a brilliant pass from teammate Ashten Prechtel, Hull stepped back and launched a deep three-pointer from well beyond the arc. The ball flew through the air, seemingly in slow motion, and as the buzzer sounded, it swished through the net, giving Stanford a three-point lead with only seconds left on the clock.

The crowd erupted in disbelief, and Stanford’s bench went wild. Hull’s face showed the perfect blend of focus and emotion as she ran down the court, having just hit what many are calling the most clutch shot of her career.

“I just trusted my shot,” Hull said after the game, still catching her breath from the excitement. “I knew the team needed a big play, and I’ve been in those situations before. I felt the defense closing in, but I just knew that was my moment to step up.”

The shot was a statement—Lexi Hull had arrived as a clutch performer on the biggest stage. Her confidence and poise in such a high-pressure situation showed why she’s one of the most respected players in women’s college basketball. Not only did she hit the game-winner, but her overall performance throughout the game—finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists—was one for the ages.

The Fallout: What Does This Mean for LSU and Stanford?

For LSU, Angel Reese’s foul was a tough pill to swallow. After playing so well all game, her fouling out left the Tigers without their best player at the most critical point of the game. While Flau’jae Johnson and Jasmine Carson tried to keep LSU in the game, the absence of Reese was evident. The team’s energy seemed to falter without their star, and they couldn’t stop Stanford’s offensive surge in the final moments.

“I don’t think we played our best basketball tonight,” said Johnson, who led LSU with 16 points after Reese’s departure. “We gave it everything, but we couldn’t finish it out. Losing Angel hurt, but we’ve got to learn from this and move forward.”

For Stanford, Lexi Hull’s game-winner will go down as one of the most iconic moments in the program’s rich history. Her clutch performance under pressure has reaffirmed that she is one of the best in the country. While the team celebrated the win, Hull’s shot was the clear highlight—a moment that could propel Stanford further into the NCAA tournament, with renewed confidence and momentum.

“This is a huge win for us,” said Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer. “Lexi was outstanding, and the entire team stepped up when we needed it most. We know we’ve got a tough road ahead, but this win gives us the belief that we can go all the way.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

For LSU, the loss is certainly a hard one to digest. However, they’re still a very talented team, and the experience of this close loss will only help them grow. With Reese as the focal point, they have the potential to bounce back stronger in the postseason.

As for Stanford, Lexi Hull’s clutch shot has solidified their place among the top contenders for the national championship. With Hull leading the charge and a deep, talented roster around her, they’re poised for a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

But in the end, it was the dramatic contrast between Angel Reese’s untimely foul and Lexi Hull’s game-winning heroics that stole the show. The game highlighted the fine margins that often define high-stakes basketball, where one mistake and one great play can completely shift the course of a season.

Angel Reese’s foul may have cost LSU the game, but Lexi Hull’s incredible shot will be remembered as a moment that left everyone in awe. It was the kind of play that will be replayed for years to come, and it may very well go down as the moment that defined Stanford’s championship aspirations.

As both teams turn their attention to the rest of the season, one thing is for certain: the spotlight is firmly on Lexi Hull, and everyone in women’s college basketball just got a reminder of what happens when you leave a star wide open at the biggest moment.