A Rare Offensive Struggle
Team USA secured a narrow 55-52 victory against Italy in their second FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup group stage game, officially qualifying for the tournament’s quarterfinals. Despite the win, the performance was uncharacteristically difficult for the perennial favorites, marking the team’s lowest scoring output in international competition in the last 50 years.
The U.S. offense, which had appeared fluid in a 94-61 victory over China just two days prior, struggled significantly against a physical Italian defense. Team USA shot 29 percent from the field and managed only eight percent from 3-point range, while also missing eight free throws. Jackie Young was the only U.S. player to reach double-digit scoring, finishing with 10 points.
This report draws on information published by The New York Times.
The Shrinking International Gap
Head coach Kara Lawson, who has previously noted that the global competitive gap in women’s basketball is closing, acknowledged the intensity of the contest. The result stands in stark contrast to the teams’ meeting six months ago during World Cup qualifiers in Puerto Rico, where the U.S. defeated Italy by 34 points.
“I think there’s no question that the world is improving at a rapid rate,” Lawson said following the game. The match was one of the closest international games for the U.S. in the last decade, serving as a reminder of the rising parity in the international game.
Context and Next Steps
For Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier and her teammates, the World Cup represents a mid-season break from the WNBA schedule. Collier, who recorded four points and six rebounds in the opener against China, is among several WNBA players competing in Berlin. The tournament, which concludes on Sept. 13, has forced a temporary pause in the WNBA season as teams approach the playoffs.
While Team USA has successfully extended its winning streak and secured a spot in the next round, the offensive stagnation against Italy poses questions for the coaching staff as they prepare for the knockout stages. The team remains the favorite to win its fifth consecutive world championship, but the narrow margin of victory highlights the challenges inherent in international play.