Staff USA picked up its second Group D victory of the 2026 FIBA Girls’s World Cup on Sunday with a slender 55-52 win over Italy in a sport that changed into an upset scare.
The People 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.
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The US received 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 staff, swapping between zone and man-to-man schemes.
Staff USA additionally went ice chilly capturing from the sphere. The People continued to try 3s, however did not make one till Paige Bueckers related 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 People 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 america up 55-50. Italy responded with a jumper of its personal. Jackie Younger got here down with an enormous rebound, however although the People could not capitalize on the additional possession, the additional time helped to chip away on the sport clock.
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Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini then tried to hit a 3 or draw a foul, however in the course of 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 capable of 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 bit of her thoughts.
The win qualifies Staff USA for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The US will probably be again in motion tomorrow in opposition to Czechia.
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Staff USA’s offensive tempo will not be sustainable
Paige Bueckers helped to run a fast-paced offense within the first quarter. The People did a very good job cleansing up the glass and capitalizing on turnovers.
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Staff Italy appeared slower on offense, making an attempt to be extra methodical in attacking Staff USA’s stout protection. This distinction favored Staff USA within the first quarter, however Staff Italy within the second quarter.
The People have been capable of depend on their fast possessions, however then, when the pictures stopped falling, the Italians took benefit. Staff 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. Staff USA completed the sport 16 of 56 from the ground for a 29% capturing share. If the People did not convert 22 of their 30 free-throw makes an attempt, in comparison with 14 of 20 from the charity stripe for the Italians, Staff USA might have misplaced the sport.
This was Staff USA’s lowest level complete within the FIBA Girls’s World Cup since 1971.
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Can Staff USA clear up its beyond-the-arc points?
The People cruised to a win, nevertheless it wasn’t due to an inflow of 3s. Staff USA went 0-3 in each the primary and second quarters from past the arc.
Staff USA lastly hit a 3 with 1:50 left within the third quarter. Bueckers tied the sport up at 39, however the People have 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 Staff USA
The U.S. performed clear basketball in its first sport in opposition to China, committing solely eight turnovers. In opposition to Italy, america dedicated 13 turnovers.
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The excellent news for the People is that the Italians had 16 turnovers, in order that metric did favor Staff USA, however it’s a straightforward facet of the sport to enhance upon earlier than the subsequent matchup.
Staff USA continues to have a balanced assault
If you happen to watch these WNBA stars play for his or her respective groups, it isn’t unusual for them to guide their staff in factors by a large margin.
The People’ All-Star staff has performed an awesome job in two matches of spreading the ball round. In opposition to China, Staff USA was led by Bueckers, Clark, and Rhyne Howard, who every had 14 factors.
In opposition to 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.