In the LSU women's game against Kent State on Tuesday, Coach Kim Mulkey kept standout player Angel Reese on the bench for the entire second half despite starting the game.
The No. 7 Tigers defeated the Golden Flashes 109-79 in the Maravich Center in Baton Rouge to go 3-1.
Reese, typically a court phenomenon, had a strong first quarter but was benched for the second. Instead, Mulkey gambled with sophomore forward Aneesah Morrow.
Reese's absence prompted admirers to post their own justifications for her benching, while others wondered what Mulkey was up to, considering her star power.
Mulkey was questioned after the game about the eyebrow-raising move and her decision not to play senior guard Kateri Poole, who was dressed on the bench but sat out. Fans were more confused by her response.
Coach Mulkey didn't explain why she benched Reese, but fans speculated online.