The United States women’s basketball team survived a nail‑biting 55‑52 victory over Italy in the FIBA World Cup group stage, a result that kept their tournament hopes alive despite a late surge from the Italians.
Offensively, the Americans struggled mightily, converting only 28% of their field‑goal attempts and missing all but two of twelve long‑range shots, a stark contrast to the 50% shooting they displayed in their opening 33‑point win over China.
Italy’s disciplined zone defense stifled the U.S. attack for large stretches, forcing turnovers and limiting the flow of the game, while the crowd of over 9,000, buoyed by Italian supporters, added to the pressure.
With just over three minutes remaining, Breanna Stewart, playing in her fourth World Cup, delivered the decisive basket that cut Italy’s lead, a clutch moment that epitomized her poise under pressure.
Cecilia Zandalasini led Italy’s scoring with 14 points, marking the nation’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1994 and highlighting the growing competitiveness of European women’s basketball.
Earlier in the tournament, the United States had dispatched China 33 points to nil, shooting a crisp 50% from the field and draining twelve three‑pointers, underscoring how dramatically the team’s efficiency can vary depending on the opponent and the style of play.
The arena was packed with more than 9,000 spectators, many of whom waved Italian flags and pleaded for favorable calls, illustrating the passionate local support that surrounded the match.
Coach’s Emphasis on Adaptation
U.S. head coach Kara Lawson stressed the importance of respecting opponents and adjusting to differing playing styles, noting that the team’s ability to refocus after a deficit was crucial to securing the win.
Looking ahead, the Americans will face Czechia in their next group‑stage contest, while Italy and China are slated to meet simultaneously at the Max‑Schmeling‑Halle, a venue in Berlin that will host the latter showdown.
The contest underscored the broader challenge of maintaining focus and performance under high‑pressure conditions, a theme that resonates throughout the tournament as teams battle to advance.