Team USA survived a historic scare at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin on Sunday, edging Italy 55-52 after trailing in the fourth quarter. Jackie Young scored 10 points to lead the Americans, who secured a quarterfinal berth despite shooting a paltry 29 percent from the field.
The United States arrived in Germany carrying a 32-game winning streak in World Cup competition, but nearly suffered one of the most monumental upsets in international basketball history. Italy executed a physical 2-3 zone defense that disrupted American rhythm from the opening tip and kept the game within striking distance until the final buzzer.
How Italy Stymied the American Offense at Uber Arena
The offensive struggles produced the lowest-scoring preliminary-round game for Team USA in over five decades.
“Italy really kinda mucked up the game for us and made it difficult for us to score.”
Breanna Stewart, Team USA forward, via CBS Sports
Italy carried a 50-48 advantage with under five minutes remaining in regulation, threatening to hand the U.S. its first tournament loss since falling to Russia in the 2006 semifinals.
Fourth-Quarter Resilience and Veteran Execution
Trailing late in the contest, the American veterans finally seized control through defensive stops and high-stakes shot-making.
Jackie Young followed with a vital layup following an Italian offensive foul, and veteran guard Chelsea Gray iced the sequence with a mid-range jumper to extend the lead to five points.
“I thought we had some really good possessions late. The charge Chelsea took was a big momentum-changing play. It was an incredible winning play by Gray there.”
Kara Lawson, Team USA coach, via CBS Sports
Italy clawed back within three points on a basket by Matilde Villa in the final minute, leaving the door open for late drama. On the game’s final possession, Zandalasini hoisted a contested 3-pointer that sailed wide left, settling harmlessly into Stewart’s arms as time expired.
Aftermath, Postgame Emotion, and Next Group Stage Opponent
Frustrations spilled over immediately after the final whistle when Zandalasini angrily confronted game officials over perceived non-calls during the frantic final seconds. The Italian star later expressed remorse during her postgame press conference for her emotional reaction on the floor.
“I would like to apologize for how I acted in the end. Just wanted to apologize to the team and to the referee. When I wear this jersey, it’s just a different beast, I guess, that comes out of me.”
Cecilia Zandalasini, Italy forward, via CBS Sports
Despite the offensive output plumbing historic lows, the victory lifts the United States to 2-0 in group play and guarantees direct passage into the tournament quarterfinals. The Americans also secured placement on the opposite side of the bracket from France, ensuring the two powerhouses cannot meet before the September 13 final according to CBS Sports scheduling updates.
Team USA will close out pool play on Monday against Czechia, while Italy matches up against China to wrap up its preliminary schedule.