The United States defeated Italy 55-52 in the FIBA Women's World Cup on Sunday, securing a quarter-final berth with the victory. The Americans improved to 2-0 despite a sluggish performance that saw them lead only 42-39 after three quarters and fall behind by two points on three separate occasions in the fourth quarter.
Breanna Stewart made the decisive basket, hitting a jumper assisted by Jackie Young with 3:20 remaining to give the U.S. a 51-50 lead. Young followed with a floater on the next possession, and Chelsea Gray extended the margin with a pull-up shot with 1:07 left. Italy answered with a quick two-pointer to cut the deficit to 55-52, but the U.S. secured the win when Young grabbed a rebound on the final American possession to run down the clock.
Caitlin Clark struggled from the field, going 0-6 in the game. Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini claimed she was poked in the eye during the contest.