Team USA basketball survives scare against Italy in FIBA Women's World Cup, secures quarterfinal berth
USA Women’s Basketball Holds Narrow Victory Over Italy, Advances to FIBA World Cup Quarterfinals
Germany – Sunday, June 23, 2024 – The United States women’s basketball team edged out Italy 55–52 in a tightly contested Group B matchup at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, securing a 2–0 record and a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinal round.
The game opened with a quick lead for the Americans. By the end of the first quarter, Team USA was up 19–8, thanks to a flurry of early baskets and strong defensive stops. Italy, however, adjusted in the second and third periods, reducing the deficit to a single point by the final quarter. With the score tied in the dying seconds, the Italian squad had a chance to force a tie with a last‑second shot, only for the ball to veer off to the left of the rim and fall into the hands of Breanna Stewart, who blocked the attempt and preserved the win for the U.S.
Despite the close finish, the U.S. struggled with shooting efficiency. From beyond the arc, the team hit just 1 of 12 attempts—an 8% conversion rate—and made only 29% of its overall field‑goal attempts. The poor shooting output was a reminder that the squad has work to do if it wants to advance deep into the tournament.
Cecilia Zandalasini led all scorers for Italy with 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, underscoring her dominant presence in a game that featured multiple standout performances. On the American side, guard Jackie Young was the team’s leading scorer with 10 points and became the only player to shoot over 40% from the field, a modest effort given the shooting slump.
Caitlin Clark, the star point guard who has been heavily touted as a potential game‑changer, finished the game with a single point and did not hit any field‑goal attempts. The game marked the first time she had not started in a World Cup opening match, prompting questions about the team’s future offensive dynamics.
The win keeps the U.S. 2–0 in Group B and maintains its status as one of the favorites heading into the quarterfinals. A victory by Italy would have been one of the biggest upsets in FIBA Women’s World Cup history, making this narrow win all the more significant for the American squad. As the tournament moves forward, the U.S. will look to tighten its shooting and harness the talents of its key players—particularly Caitlin Clark—to contend for a medal in Germany.
