Team USA women's basketball survived its closest World Cup test in two decades Sunday, escaping with a 55-52 victory over Italy in Berlin that extended their tournament winning streak to 32 games.
The three-point margin marked the smallest victory in the Americans' World Cup winning streak, which dates back to a semifinal loss to Russia in 2006. Only one team had previously come within single digits during this dominant run — Australia lost by eight points in 2010.
Jackie Young scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting to lead the Americans, who put up their lowest point total in a preliminary-round game since scoring 51 against France in 1971. The Las Vegas Aces guard was the only player to reach double figures and shoot better than 50% from the field.
"Italy really kinda mucked up the game for us and made it difficult for us to score," said Breanna Stewart, who struggled through an 0-for-8 start before finally converting her first basket late in the fourth quarter. "Tough team. Tons of respect to what they've done. Just proud of the resiliency of this group."
Late Rally Saves Americans
Italy, making its first World Cup appearance since 1994, led 50-48 with 4:29 remaining before Team USA mounted a crucial 7-0 run. Stewart's first made shot of the game put the Americans ahead 51-50, followed by Young's layup after the U.S. forced an offensive foul.
Chelsea Gray extended the lead to five with a jumper, but Italy's Matilde Villa answered with a basket to cut the deficit to three with under a minute remaining. The Americans had multiple chances to seal the victory but couldn't convert, leaving the door open for a dramatic finish.
Italy's final possession ended when Cecilia Zandalasini's potential game-tying 3-pointer missed at the buzzer, with Stewart securing the rebound to preserve the victory.
"When things really mattered down the stretch, we were able to get big stops," Stewart added. "A win is a win and we hope to continue to build on this."
Offensive Struggles Define Contest
Team USA shot just 29% from the field (16-of-56) and made only 1-of-12 attempts from beyond the arc. Italy's 2-3 zone defense disrupted the Americans' offensive rhythm throughout the contest, forcing 14 turnovers — nearly matching their 16 made field goals.
The Americans also struggled at the free-throw line, converting 22-of-30 attempts in what could have been a costly weakness if the game had gone the other way.
Italy shot 31% from the field (18-of-58) and committed 18 turnovers but managed to stay competitive through aggressive defense and timely scoring from Zandalasini, who led all scorers with 14 points.
The Italians had previously lost to Team USA by 44 points at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March, making Sunday's performance a dramatic improvement.
Historic Streak Continues
The victory officially qualified Team USA for the quarterfinals and guaranteed them a spot on the opposite side of the bracket from France, meaning the two tournament favorites cannot meet until the potential final on September 13.
Team USA coach Kara Lawson praised her team's defensive effort in crucial moments, particularly highlighting Gray's charge call late in the game. "The charge Chelsea took was a big momentum-changing play. It was an incredible winning play by Gray there," Lawson said.
After the final whistle, Zandalasini confronted officials over what she believed was a missed call on the final possession, later apologizing for her reaction. "I would like to apologize for how I acted in the end," she said. "When I wear this jersey, it's just a different beast, I guess, that comes out of me."
Team USA will conclude group play Monday against the Czech Republic in what amounts to an exhibition game, with their quarterfinal opponent to be determined. The Americans improved to 2-0 in the tournament while Italy fell to 1-1 after defeating the Czech Republic in their opener.
