U.S. Women Narrowly Defeat Italy in World Cup Scare
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The United States survived its toughest World Cup group stage test in 20 years, winning 55-52 against an Italian squad that pushed the Americans to the brink.
The United States women's basketball team narrowly avoided an upset on Sunday in Berlin, securing a 55-52 victory over Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. According to Sportsnet, this marked the most difficult test the U.S. has faced in the World Cup in two decades.
While the U.S. has maintained a 32-game winning streak since a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia, Italy came closer to an upset than any team since Australia in 2010. The Americans struggled offensively, shooting just 29% from the field and going 1 for 12 from beyond the arc, as Italy's 2-3 zone defense disrupted their rhythm. Sportsnet reports the U.S. posted its lowest preliminary-round point total since 1971.
Italy, making its first World Cup appearance since 1994, led 50-48 with 4:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. The U.S. responded with a 7-0 run, sparked by Breanna Stewart, who scored her first basket of the game to take a 51-50 lead. Jackie Young contributed 10 points, and Chelsea Gray hit a jumper to extend the lead to five. Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini led her team with 14 points, and a final 3-point attempt by Zandalasini missed at the buzzer.
The result is a stark contrast to a March tournament qualifier where the U.S. beat Italy by 34 points. The U.S. (2-0) will face the Czech Republic on Monday, while Italy (1-1) plays China.