In a hard‑fought contest at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, the United States women’s basketball team earned a narrow 55‑52 victory over Italy, clinching a spot in the tournament’s quarter‑finals. The win came after Italy surged ahead late in the fourth quarter, leading 50‑48 with under five minutes remaining.
Coach Lawson Emphasizes Growing Competition
U.S. head coach Kara Lawson told reporters after the game that this edition of the World Cup may be the most challenging ever, noting the increased depth across all rosters. “There’s much more depth to the rosters at the World Cup. There are players who can come off the bench and change games, and we saw that for Italy tonight,” Lawson said.
Lawson added that every game feels like a “dog fight,” underscoring the heightened level of preparation required to succeed. “On any given night, if you’re not prepared to play, you’ll lose. That’s awesome for our sport,” she remarked.
Key Performances
Veteran forward Jackie Young led the U.S. with 10 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Rising star Angel Reese contributed eight points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Lawson praised the 24‑year‑old Atlanta Dream forward as a “difference maker,” highlighting her energy, competitiveness, and pace.
Team captain Breanna Stewart reflected on the experience of seasoned champions leaning on their collective experience to grind out the win. “We’ve all been in these high‑stress situations, knowing the crowd is cheering against us… and we embraced it,” Stewart said.
Looking Ahead
The United States now turns its attention to the upcoming matchup against Czechia on Monday, hoping to continue its run toward a potential title defense. The narrow win against Italy serves as a reminder that the path to the championship will require resilience, depth, and the ability to execute in clutch moments.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Mali recorded a surprising 82‑73 victory over Spain, a result that further illustrates the unpredictable and competitive nature of this World Cup.
Context for Fans
For American fans, the game showcased the evolving talent pool in women’s basketball, with bench players from multiple nations capable of influencing outcomes. The U.S. team’s ability to respond under pressure reaffirms its status as a perennial contender, while also highlighting the need for continued development and preparation.
As the tournament progresses, supporters can expect more tightly contested games, reflecting the sport’s expanding global reach and the increasing quality of international competition.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
