"Finally teammates”: Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso cast aside rivalry during first encounter at WNBA draft

Chicago Sky's Angel Reese is thrilled to team up with fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso. The former NCAA hoops stars will bolster the Sky's bid for a playoff run this season.

The team's official X account shared a backstage video of the lighthearted moment between the ex-college arch-rivals at the recent WNBA draft.

"We're finally teammates," Reese said with a smile.

"I know," The Brazillian center replied. "I'm so happy!"

"I know! Me, too," Reese answered back with excitement.

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso last played against each other during the battle between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks for the SEC title on March 11, 2024. South Carolina defeated LSU in a close match to clinch the SEC championship, with a score of 79-72.

Angel Reese versus Kamilla Cardoso matchup marred by brawl during SEC championship

The SEC championship between the LSU Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks had a wild finish on March 11th. It was a highly physical game from start to end.

In the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, LSU's Flau'jae Johnson was called for an intentional foul after holding on to South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley as she crossed the court. This led to a clash between the players and their respective benches in front of the scorers' table.

During the scuffle, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso pushed Flau'jae Johnson, further escalating the situation. Things got worse when the LSU guard's brother shoved Cardoso before being escorted off by an on-duty police officer.

While LSU's bench players were ejected for leaving their bench, they were not involved in the brawl. Meanwhile, almost every player on South Carolina's bench was ejected, except for one. Subsequently, Cardoso got suspended after the championship match.

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso was sparked during the game when the LSU forward pulled the hair of the Brazillian center while boxing for a rebound. The play eluded the official's eyes and Reese was not penalized.

Here's a clip of the play:

That play was almost a preview of what happened next in the last two minutes of the SEC championship match.