Overview
- On Sunday in Berlin, Team USA edged Italy 55-52 to advance from group play and secure a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
- The U.S. managed just 55 points—its fewest in a World Cup or world championship game since 1971—shooting 16-for-56 overall and 1-for-12 from three-point range.
- Defense carried the game as the Americans forced 18 turnovers and limited Italy to roughly 31 percent shooting while only Jackie Young finished in double digits with 10 points.
- Key postgame moments included Cecilia Zandalasini’s missed buzzer 3 that would have tied the game and her on-camera apology for an emotional reaction, while coach Kara Lawson publicly rebuked the team’s effort.
- The game highlighted strain from late veteran withdrawals and the challenge of integrating a younger roster, a storyline that raises pressure on rotations and preparation before the U.S. faces Czechia and moves into the knockout stage.