Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 7

Team USA Reaches FIBA Quarterfinals With 55-52 Win as 28.6% Shooting Sparks Criticism

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 7

Team USA Reaches FIBA Quarterfinals With 55-52 Win as 28.6% Shooting Sparks Criticism

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 · Yahoo Sports · Sep 7

55-52 was enough to send Team USA straight into the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals, but the three-point escape over Italy quickly turned into scrutiny of the Americans’ offense.
28.6% shooting, 1-of-12 from three and 14 turnovers drove the concern, with the U.S. failing to reach 60 points for the first time since 1971 despite opening a 19-8 first quarter lead.
Italy, playing its first tournament since 1994, outscored the U.S. 28-25 after halftime and nearly erased the gap before late American defense preserved the win.
Rosalina Lee blamed coaching and a disjointed attack, arguing stronger international parity means the U.S. risks a historic upset against contenders such as France, Spain or Australia if the offense does not improve.
Monday’s game against Czechia now becomes an immediate test of whether World Cup favorite Team USA can fix the issues exposed by Italy while extending its title push.