Commentary: UCLA-LSU is America’s sweethearts vs. its basketball villains

LSU coach Kim Mulkey crouches down and watches from the sideline during an NCAA tournament game against Middle Tennessee in Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday. Last week, Mulkey threatened to sue the newspaper without knowing the contents of the story, labeling it a “hit piece.” Without naming the reporter, she described the Post’s Kent Babb as “sleazy.” She slammed the paper for giving her a deadline to respond to questions while also disclosing that she had refused requests going back two years to sit for an interview. “clickbait everything i do keep going viral” — Angel Reese March 24, 2024 Then there’s UCLA, which operates in the saintly shadows while being as wholesome as a miniature stuffed Bruin mascot. “She’s a little bit cornier than us,” senior guard Charisma Osborne said, “but yeah, I think she really sets the standard.” UCLA coach Cori Close smiles during Bruins’ game against rival USC on Dec. 30. “I think she’s an amazing person and obviously when it comes to basketball you’re trying to win, so it’s like, whatever you have to do to win, I don’t think that people should judge her for that.” Said Osborne: “She’s really nice off the court as well and people don’t always see that.” Everyone can see for themselves Saturday.