US avoids shocking loss to Italy, clinches World Cup QF berth

Jackie Young had a big fourth quarter and Breanna Stewart made her only basket of the game to put the United States up for good, helping the Americans escape with a 55-52 win over Italy in the FIBA Women's World Cup on Sunday in Berlin.

The U.S. (2-0), which clinched a quarterfinal berth with the victory, led only 42-39 after three quarters and fell behind by two three times in the fourth. Stewart's jumper, assisted by Young, gave the Americans a 51-50 lead with 3:20 to go, and Young hit a floater on their next possession.

Chelsea Gray made a pull-up with 1:07 left for some important cushion, but Italy hit a quick 2-pointer in response to cut it to 55-52. Gray missed a shot on the next U.S. trip but Young corralled the rebound to help her team bleed more clock.

Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini, who missed a 3-pointer to tie with 3 seconds left, was seen hollering at referees after the buzzer as she argued she had been poked in the eye on the play.

Young scored six of her team-high 10 points in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese scored eight points, Stewart grabbed 11 rebounds to help offset her 1-of-9 shooting day, and Paige Bueckers added seven points, five boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks for the U.S.

Caitlin Clark shot 0-for-6 from the floor and scored one point.

The Americans won despite shooting a woeful 16 of 56 (28.6%) overall and 1 for 12 on 3-pointers. They outscored the Italians 22-14 at the foul line.

Zandalasini of the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries had 14 points and seven boards to guide Italy (1-1).

The U.S. women's team narrowly avoided its first World Cup loss since the 2006 semifinals. It marked their closest World Cup game in 20 years, per NBC Sports.

The U.S. concludes Group D play Monday against the Czech Republic (0-2). The other game will pit Italy against China (1-1). While group winners (including the U.S.) advance directly to the quarterfinals of the knockout stage, the second- and third-place finishers of each group will go on to a qualification round.

--Field Level Media