News - Young and Stewart lead USA to a thrilling victory over Italy at the FIBA World Cup.

In a match filled with intensity and dramatic flair, the United States secured a tense 55-52 victory over Italy in the FIBA Women's World Cup, demonstrating resilience despite poor shooting. The American team, guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals, faced a challenge with a narrow 42-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Jackie Young emerged as a crucial player with six of her team-high 10 points in the final period, alongside Breanna Stewart who, despite her own shooting difficulties, made the decisive basket to regain a crucial lead with 3:20 remaining on the clock. This match wasn't without its controversial moments. Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini, who scored 14 points, found herself in the center of the drama, claiming she was fouled on a last-second three-point attempt. After the game, Zandalasini expressed regret for her emotional response to the referees' decision, acknowledging the intense emotions that are part of international play. Statistically, the US team showed tenacity, managing to outperform their opponents at the free-throw line despite hitting only 1 out of 12 attempted three-pointers and having an overall shooting rate of just 28.6%. Young's rebounding skills in the closing moments of the game were crucial in retaining possession and securing the win. This important victory keeps the United States' perfect record at the World Cup intact, narrowly avoiding what would have been their first tournament loss since the 2006 semi-finals. This highly competitive encounter highlights the intensity and unpredictability of international basketball at the highest level, setting the stage for their final Group D match against the Czech Republic. The Italians, now at 1-1, prepare for a critical game against China, with both teams looking to advance. In this hard-fought contest, the American team embodied the spirit of perseverance, crafting a victory story through teamwork and strategic plays, with thrilling match-ups yet to come as the World Cup progresses.