They really trailed, 50-48, with 4:29 left earlier than occurring a 7-0 run. Breanna Stewart, who missed her first eight photographs, scored her first basket of the sport to place the People up, 51-50. Younger then hit a layup after USA acquired an offensive foul towards Italy on its subsequent possession.

The People acquired one other defensive cease, and Chelsea Grey hit a jumper to make it a five-point recreation.

Matilde Villa scored to get Italy again inside three with lower than a minute to go. The People had a few probabilities to make it a two-possession lead, however couldn’t convert.

Italy (1-1) had one final likelihood to tie it, however Cecilia Zandalasini’s 3-pointer was off on the buzzer.

Italy’s 2-3 zone protection trigger the People matches on offense. The People couldn’t get into any rhythm and shot 29 p.c from the sphere, together with going 1 for 12 from 3-point vary.

The People, who led 30-24 at halftime, noticed Italy go on a 11-2 run to start out the third quarter and trailed, 35-32, earlier than ending the interval up, 42-39.

Italy, which misplaced to the People by 34 in a event qualifier in March, wouldn’t go away and was up, 50-48, within the fourth quarter earlier than the People’ ultimate push.

Zandalasini scored 14 factors to steer Italy, which is making its first World Cup look since 1994.

The Italians gained their first recreation, beating the Czech Republic, and had a loud crowd cheering for them Sunday. Nonetheless, there have been followers carrying Caitlin Clark Iowa and Fever jerseys, in addition to one in Paige Bueckers’s highschool jersey.

In different video games Sunday, China edged the Czech Republic in extra time, Australia topped Turkey, and Belgium beat Puerto Rico.

After a day without work, Group USA performs the Czechs Monday, whereas Italy closes out pool play towards China.