Team USA picked up its second Group D victory of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup on Sunday with a narrow 55-52 win over Italy in a game that turned into an upset scare.
The Americans came into the matchup with plenty of confidence. When the U.S. faced Italy in the World Cup qualifiers in March, it won 93-59. Sunday's rematch was a different story.
The United States got out to a 19-8 lead in the first quarter using quick possessions and stifling defense. Italy slowly clawed back into the game in the second and third quarters as it played better defense as a team, swapping between zone and man-to-man schemes.
Team USA also went ice cold shooting from the field. The Americans continued to attempt 3s, but didn't make one until Paige Bueckers connected from deep with 1:50 left in the third quarter. Before that first make, the U.S. was 0-10 from beyond the arc.
The Americans went into the fourth quarter up 42-39. This started plenty of back-and-forth action in the final frame.
#quarter #second #defense
The Americans came into the matchup with plenty of confidence. When the U.S. faced Italy in the World Cup qualifiers in March, it won 93-59. Sunday's rematch was a different story.
The United States got out to a 19-8 lead in the first quarter using quick possessions and stifling defense. Italy slowly clawed back into the game in the second and third quarters as it played better defense as a team, swapping between zone and man-to-man schemes.
Team USA also went ice cold shooting from the field. The Americans continued to attempt 3s, but didn't make one until Paige Bueckers connected from deep with 1:50 left in the third quarter. Before that first make, the U.S. was 0-10 from beyond the arc.
The Americans went into the fourth quarter up 42-39. This started plenty of back-and-forth action in the final frame.
#quarter #second #defense
10 days ago
