Team USA secures narrow victory over Italy in FIBA World Cup

Team USA defeated Italy 55-52 in a FIBA World Cup matchup, marking the team’s lowest scoring output in a World Cup game since 1971. Despite holding a significant advantage in free throw attempts and benefiting from 18 Italian turnovers, the Americans trailed by two points late in the fourth quarter. A decisive 7-0 run led by Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Breanna Stewart ultimately secured the result. Head coach Kara Lawson expressed public frustration regarding the team’s lack of intensity and competitive execution throughout the contest. Former college player Rachel DeMita criticized the team’s performance, citing Italy’s poor shooting percentages as evidence that the game should not have resulted in a narrow margin. Team USA moves on to face the Czech Republic on September 7 as they look to conclude the group stage.

• 4:55 AMYahoo Sports — “Hard for Me to Be Proud of This”: Former College Basketball Player Makes Concerning Observation Around Team USA’s Narrow Escape vs Italy