A Gritty Escape
Jackie Young contributed 10 points as the United States overcame its most formidable challenge in two decades at the women's basketball World Cup, securing a 55-52 win over Italy on Sunday in Berlin. The Americans have now won 32 consecutive World Cup games, a streak dating back to a semifinal loss to Russia in 2006. During that run, only one team had come within single digits before, when Australia lost by eight points in 2010.[S1]
The U.S., now 2-0 in the tournament, labored to produce its lowest point total in a preliminary-round game since 1971, when it scored 51 against France. Trailing 50-48 with 4:29 remaining, the Americans mounted a decisive 7-0 run. Breanna Stewart, who had missed her first eight shots, finally scored her first basket to give the U.S. a 51-50 lead. Young then converted a layup after an offensive foul was called against Italy on its next possession.[S1]
Defensive Struggles and Late Stand
The Americans added another defensive stop, and Chelsea Gray hit a jumper to extend the lead to five points. Matilde Villa scored to bring Italy within three with less than a minute left. The U.S. had opportunities to push the lead to two possessions but failed to convert. Italy had one final chance to tie, but Cecilia Zandalasini's 3-point attempt missed at the buzzer.[S1]
Italy's 2-3 zone defense disrupted the U.S. offense, which shot 29% from the field and made just 1 of 12 from 3-point range. The Americans led 30-24 at halftime, but Italy opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run to take a 35-32 lead before the U.S. finished the period ahead 42-39. Italy, which had lost to the Americans by 34 in a March qualifier, refused to fade and led 50-48 in the fourth quarter before the U.S. final push.[S1]
Italy's Strong Showing
Zandalasini scored 14 points to lead Italy, which is making its first World Cup appearance since 1994. The Italians won their opener against the Czech Republic and enjoyed loud crowd support against the U.S., though some fans wore Caitlin Clark Iowa and Fever jerseys, and one wore a Bueckers high school jersey. In other Sunday games, China edged the Czech Republic in overtime, Australia topped Turkey, and Belgium beat Puerto Rico.[S1]
Italy will face China to close pool play on Monday, while the U.S. plays the Czech Republic, hoping to extend its winning streak. The game was part of the Women's Basketball World Cup held in Berlin, with matches also taking place in Temascalcingo, Mexico, where a separate fireworks explosion occurred during a festival, killing at least 10 people and injuring 64 others.[S1]
