SPORTS

USA Women's Basketball Escapes Italy in 55-52 Scare

PUBLISHED Sep 7, 2026, 9:53 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 32

Left 3%

Center 97%

Sources: 32

The United States women's national basketball team narrowly defeated Italy 55-52 in group play at the FIBA Women's World Cup, securing a direct spot in the quarterfinals and improving to 2-0 in Group D. Team USA built an early 23-8 lead in the second quarter driven by a 12-0 run, but struggled offensively against Italy's trapping zone defense. The Americans shot just 29 percent from the field and converted only one of twelve three-point attempts, allowing Italy to claim a 50-48 advantage late in the fourth quarter. The United States responded with seven consecutive points, featuring a crucial go-ahead jumper by Breanna Stewart and baskets from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Cecilia Zandalasini missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer for Italy, leaving Young as the game's leading scorer for the U.S. with 10 points. The narrow win marks the closest World Cup contest for the American program since 2006.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 23, 2006, United States achieved previous narrowest World Cup tournament victory margin.
On September 21, 2026, United States defeated Italy fifty five to fifty two.
On September 21, 2026, Team USA improved tournament record to two and zero.
On September 21, 2026, Americans secured direct quarterfinal berth in Group D standings.
On September 21, 2026, Italy deployed zone defense that stifled American offensive production.
On September 21, 2026, Italy took late fourth quarter advantage of fifty points.
On September 21, 2026, Breanna Stewart scored crucial go ahead jumper for United States.
On September 21, 2026, Cecilia Zandalasini missed potential game tying buzzer three pointer.
On September 23, 2026, tournament organizers schedule upcoming quarterfinal matches for advancing teams.
On September 27, 2026, FIBA concludes tournament schedule with championship final game fixture.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Heightened domestic sports interest surrounding international women basketball competition levels.
Possible long-term US impact: Increased strategic focus on perimeter shooting across American basketball programs.
Most affected groups: American basketball fans, US national team players, sports analysts.
Reader priority: Prioritize official FIBA match reports and verified tournament broadcasts.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 32
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 31

Explain Framing

Left: Highlights structural global competitiveness shifts and historic offensive lows. Center: Emphasizes game statistics and competitive narrowing of international play. Right: Focuses on near-upset drama and uncharacteristic struggles by American powerhouse.