Staff USA remained good on the FIBA Girls’s Basketball World Cup on Sunday, however this one was far too shut for consolation. After cruising previous China in its opening contest, the Individuals had been pushed to the restrict by Italy earlier than escaping with a 55-52 win to enhance to 2-0 in group play.

The USA got here out sturdy and constructed a 23-8 lead earlier than Italy fully flipped the sport. Its protection slowed the Individuals down significantly, and from there the offense grew to become stagnant, particularly from past the arc. Italy ultimately took the lead within the second half and was nonetheless forward 50-48 with lower than 5 minutes remaining.

That’s when Staff USA lastly responded. Breanna Stewart received on the board late with a key basket, Chelsea Grey made an vital defensive play by drawing an offensive foul, and Jackie Younger, who led the Individuals in scoring, helped end off a late 7-0 run that in the end secured the win.

It was the fewest factors Staff USA has scored in a World Cup victory since 1967, and the efficiency confirmed this group does have vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, discovering a method to win regardless of an unsightly offensive night time is vital, and the Individuals stay unbeaten as they proceed by means of group play.