A Gritty Late Surge Lifts the US Past Italy 55-52 in Its Toughest World Cup Test in Years
- On Sunday, the United States survived its toughest Basketball World Cup test in two decades, defeating Italy 55-52 in Berlin. The Americans improved to 2-0 with the narrow preliminary-round victory.
- The Americans have won 32 consecutive World Cup games dating back to a loss to Russia in the 2006 semifinals. Only one team had come within single digits of the United States during this dominant run until Sunday.
- Trailing 50-48 with minutes remaining, the United States launched a 7-0 run to reclaim control. Breanna Stewart scored the go-ahead basket to put the team up 51-50 after missing her first eight shots.
- Jackie Young added a crucial layup, and Chelsea Gray extended the lead with a jumper. Matilde Villa narrowed Italy's deficit to three, but Cecilia Zandalasini's 3-pointer missed at the buzzer.
- The Americans shot just 29 percent from the field and 1 for 12 from 3-point range, yet prevailed in one of the lowest-scoring preliminary games since 1971. Italy's defensive intensity and crowd support in Berlin signaled heightened competition at this year's Basketball World Cup.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Basketball-US earn narrow win over Italy at ‘most challenging’ World Cup
Sept 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. survived a tough test against Italy at the FIBA Women's World Cup on Sunday, with their narrow 55-52 victory serving as a further sign of growing competitiveness in the women's game. Italy held the U.S. to their lowest poin...
Caitlin Clark's Shooting Struggles, Angel Reese's Viral Defensive Start & More As Team USA Survives Italy Scare
One night after Caitlin Clark dazzled in her World Cup debut, the basket suddenly looked much smaller. The Indiana Fever star struggled mightily from the field against Italy. But then, it wasn’t down to only Clark’s shooting struggles. It was indeed a game of survival for Team USA, and survived they did. Team USA came […]
A gritty late surge lifts the US past Italy 55-52 in its toughest Worl
Aliyah Boston, of the United States, shoots over Italy's Lorela Cubaj during the Women's Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
On Sunday, the great favourites in the final victory in the World Cup were afraid of an Italian team playing (55-52). But the essential thing is assured, the Americans will play quarter-finals.
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