The United States women's national basketball team survived a nail‑biting 55‑52 victory over Italy in the World Cup pool, a result that marked one of the closest games in a decade.
The win came despite a stark contrast to the 34‑point margin the Americans enjoyed just six months earlier in qualifiers, illustrating how quickly other nations have closed the gap.
A Test of Depth and Defense
Italy's physical style forced the U.S. into a low‑efficiency night, with the team shooting just 29% from the field and 8% from three‑point range, while missing eight free throws.
Only Jackie Young managed double‑digit scoring for the Americans, and Chelsea Gray's mid‑range jumper in the final minute gave the U.S. a fleeting five‑point advantage before the Italians rallied.
The contest underscored the United States' continued grip on the world stage, extending a gold‑medal streak that began in 1996 and now spans eight consecutive titles, while also highlighting how a single‑digit margin has become a recurring theme in recent major tournaments.