Crew USA picked up its second Group D victory of the 2026 FIBA Ladies’s World Cup on Sunday with a slender 55-52 win over Italy in a sport that was an upset scare.
The Individuals got here into the matchup with loads of confidence. When the U.S. confronted Italy within the World Cup qualifiers in March, it gained 93-59. Sunday’s rematch was a distinct story.
The US acquired out to a 19-8 lead within the first quarter utilizing fast possessions and stifling protection. Italy slowly clawed again into the sport within the second and third quarters because it performed higher protection as a workforce, swapping between zone and man-to-man schemes.
Crew USA additionally went ice chilly capturing from the sector. The Individuals continued to try 3s, however didn’t make one till Paige Bueckers linked from deep with 1:50 left within the third quarter. Earlier than that first make, the U.S. was 0-10 from past the arc.
The Individuals went into the fourth quarter up 42-39. This began loads of back-and-forth motion within the remaining body.
Chelsea Grey hit a jumper with 1:07 left within the sport to place the USA up 55-50. Italy responded with a jumper of its personal. Jackie Younger got here down with an enormous rebound, however regardless that the Individuals couldn’t capitalize on the additional possession, the additional time helped to chip away on the sport clock.
Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini then tried to hit a 3 or draw a foul, however throughout the possession, she felt she had been poked within the eye. It wasn’t referred to as; she missed a heave, and the clock ran out after Breanna Stewart was in a position to safe the rebound.
After the ultimate whistle, Zandalasini was incensed and needed to be held again by teammates and coaches as she was giving the referees a chunk of her thoughts.
Italy crashout after the loss t
— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) 6
The win qualifies Crew USA for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The US will probably be again in motion tomorrow towards Czechia.
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Crew USA’s offensive tempo just isn’t sustainable
Paige Bueckers helped to run a fast-paced offense within the first quarter. The Individuals did a very good job cleansing up the glass and capitalizing on turnovers.
Crew Italy seemed slower on offense, attempting to be extra methodical in attacking Crew USA's stout protection. This distinction favored Crew USA within the first quarter, however Crew Italy within the second quarter.
The Individuals had been in a position to depend on their fast possessions, however then, when the pictures stopped falling, the Italians took benefit. Crew USA shot solely 32% within the first half, and the lead was bolstered by 12 free-throw makes in comparison with Italy's 5.
Their chilly spell from the ground continued into the second half. Crew USA completed the sport 16 of 56 from the ground for a 29% capturing share. If the Individuals didn’t convert 22 of their 30 free-throw makes an attempt, in comparison with 14 of 20 from the charity stripe for the Italians, Crew USA might have misplaced the sport.
Can Crew USA clear up its beyond-the-arc points?
The Individuals cruised to a win, nevertheless it wasn’t due to an inflow of 3s. Crew USA went 0-3 in each the primary and second quarters from past the arc.
Crew USA lastly hit a 3 with 1:50 left within the third quarter. Bueckers tied the sport up at 39, however the Individuals had been 0-10 from deep earlier than she hit that shot.
The US missed one other 3-pointer and completed the sport a measly 1-12 from three-point vary.
Caitlin Clark, Kahleah Cooper, and Rhyne Howard went a mixed 0-for-7 from past the arc.
Turnovers are an issue for Crew USA
The U.S. performed clear basketball in its first sport towards China, committing solely eight turnovers. Towards Italy, the USA dedicated 13 turnovers.
The excellent news for the Individuals is that the Italians had 16 turnovers, in order that metric did favor Crew USA, however it’s a straightforward facet of the sport to enhance upon earlier than the following matchup.
Crew USA continues to have a balanced assault
For those who watch these WNBA stars play for his or her respective groups, it isn’t unusual for them to guide their workforce in factors by a large margin.
The Individuals’ All-Star workforce has achieved an incredible job in two matches of spreading the ball round. Towards China, Crew USA was led by Bueckers, Clark, and Rhyne Howard, who every had 14 factors.
Towards Italy, solely Jackie Younger completed with double-digit scoring and had 10 factors. Angel Reese had eight factors off the bench, and Napheesa Collier, Cooper, and Aliyah Boston every completed with six factors apiece.