Team USA Clinches FIBA Quarterfinal Berth With 55-52 Win Over Italy as Clark Scores 1 Point

Q: What secret defensive strategy did Italy use to completely paralyze the usually unstoppable U.S. offense?

Italy did not use any hidden or mysterious tactic. It relied on a well-executed 2-3 zone defense, backed by constant ball pressure and strong help in the paint, and that is what disrupted the U.S. offense. Multiple reports from the game said the Americans “had few answers for Italy’s zone,” while AP specifically noted that Italy’s 2-3 zone “caused the U.S. fits on offense.” Italy also cut off driving lanes, crowded the interior, and forced Team USA into rushed decisions and poor perimeter looks. U.S. coach Kara Lawson said Italy’s force created “a lot of unforced errors,” and Breanna Stewart said Italy “mucked up the game” and made it hard to score. The numbers show how effective it was. The U.S. shot just 29% from the field and 1-for-12 from three, its lowest shooting percentage on record in a World Cup game. No American player reached double figures until late in the fourth quarter, and the team did not make its first three-pointer until the third. So the answer is not a secret scheme, but disciplined execution: Italy’s zone, physical pressure, and paint protection slowed the U.S. into one of its worst offensive performances in decades.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6

A 55-52 escape over Italy sent the U.S. women to the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals and lifted them to 2-0 in group play.
Italy led by 3 midway through the fourth before Breanna Stewart secured the final miss, ending a last-possession chance that also drew foul controversy.
Team USA's offense sputtered to 1-for-12 from 3-point range and 29% overall shooting, underscoring how narrow the margin was despite an early 19-8 lead.
Jackie Young paced the Americans with 10 points, while Caitlin Clark managed just 1 point without a made field goal; Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini led all scorers with 14.

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Does this shocking three-point thriller prove the rest of the world has finally caught up to Team USA?

What secret defensive strategy did Italy use to completely paralyze the usually unstoppable U.S. offense?

How did a massive underdog nearly shatter a two-decade American basketball dynasty on the world stage?

Team USA Clinches FIBA Quarterfinal Berth With 55-52 Win Over Italy as Clark Scores 1 Point

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