Team USA Escapes Italy Scare to Extend World Cup Win Streak to 32

Team USA Extends Win Streak to 32 Games

Team USA extended its winning streak at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup to 32 games on Sept. 6, 2026, after escaping with a narrow 55-52 victory over Italy in Berlin.

The Americans faced a relentless defensive challenge from an Italian side returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1994. Italy controlled stretches of the game and briefly took the lead in the second half, forcing the team to rely on veteran poise to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Italy Stifles U.S. Offense

Team USA struggled to find its usual offensive rhythm against a rugged and organized Italian defensive scheme. The Americans maintained an unchanged starting five from their opening win over the People’s Republic of China, but found their passes and attacks heavily contested.

Italy capitalized on transition opportunities to stay within striking distance. WNBA star Cecilia Zandalasini led all scorers with 14 points for Italy, sparking her team with a second-quarter three-pointer and a driving basket that cut the U.S. lead to six points at halftime.

“We played with our hearts,” Zandalasini said. “We wanted to break their rhythm, because we know they can be unstoppable.”

Momentum Shift

The momentum fully shifted early in the third quarter when Italy mounted a nine-point scoring run. Sara Madera converted two free throws to give Italy its first lead of the night, which Olbis Andre extended to 35-32.

U.S. head coach Kara Lawson acknowledged the offensive struggles after the game. Lawson noted that the team did not have its “fastball” on the floor.

Defensively, holding a team to 52 points in this tournament is hard to do, but we didn’t have our fastball tonight. It’s clear we’ve got some improvements to make, and every game is more information for us.

USA head coach Kara Lawson

Reese and Clark Provide Spark Off the Bench

To stabilize the lineup, the U.S. introduced Caitlin Clark earlier than in the previous game, while Angel Reese provided crucial energy in the paint with key blocks and a team-leading six points by halftime. Lawson highlighted Reese as a difference-maker who competed hard throughout the contest.

Veterans Deliver Down the Stretch

The final quarter featured tightly contested play with both teams trading baskets. The U.S. ultimately relied on an 8-point run featuring key contributions from veterans Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Breanna Stewart to edge ahead.

Young finished with a team-high 10 points for the U.S., supported by Reese with eight points. The narrow win preserves a tournament winning streak that stretches back to 2006.

“I’m proud of the resiliency of this group,” Stewart said. “When it mattered down the stretch, we were able to get big stops and get baskets. A win is a win. This is a tough tournament.”