Team USA survived a nail‑biting 55‑52 victory over Italy in the opening round of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, a game that underscored how delicate the margin can be when defensive intensity dominates the contest.
Italy’s disciplined 2‑3 zone stifled the American attack, forcing star guard Caitlin Clark to go without a point – the first time in her career that she was held scoreless against an Italy side – while the team shot just 28.6% from the field and a meager 8.3% from three‑point range.
The absence of A’ja Wilson, sidelined by health concerns, left the United States without its primary interior presence, a loss that was keenly felt in the paint throughout the match.
Breanna Stewart and Kahleah Copper struggled mightily, combining for only one successful field goal, while the only player to reach double digits was Jackie Young, who contributed 10 points amid a sea of missed attempts.
Whitlock’s Critique
Veteran analyst Jason Whitlock took to social media to voice frustration over the physical nature of the game, lamenting that the referees permitted a level of contact that he felt could jeopardize the Americans’ chances, stating, ‘If the refs are to allow that level of physicality, there’s a good chance we won’t win.’
Italy’s late surge erased an early 32‑28 deficit, briefly seizing a 35‑32 lead before the United States rallied in the final minutes to secure the narrow win.
Tournament Implications
The victory secured first place in Group D for Team USA, granting them a direct ticket to the quarterfinals, yet the defensive shortcomings and reliance on a thin roster raise questions about their readiness for the knockout stage.
As the tournament progresses, the United States will need to adjust its approach, potentially adding more interior firepower and refining perimeter shooting to avoid a repeat of the early‑game struggles that Italy exploited.