Team USA Barely Escapes Italy in World Cup Thriller

Team USA advanced to the Women's World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, but the path was far rockier than expected. The Americans held off Italy 55-52 in a defensive slugfest that left little room for error and tested the depth of the U.S. roster in ways recent tournament play has not.

The 55-52 final score represents the lowest output for a Team USA squad at the World Cup since 1971, according to tournament records. That kind of offensive drought typically signals either suffocating opposing defense or shooting inefficiency—or both. Italy came to compete and refused to let the Americans establish rhythm, forcing a grind-it-out affair that could have easily tipped the other way on a possession or two.

What this means for the tournament. Team USA remains undefeated and moves forward, but the narrow escape serves as a reminder that no opponent can be overlooked at this stage of international competition. The Americans will need to find their offensive flow before facing a likely stronger quarterfinal opponent. Italy's ability to stay within three points despite facing the world's most talented team also underscores the improving global level of women's basketball.

For bettors monitoring Team USA's path, this performance complicates line-setting for upcoming games. Oddsmakers will likely factor in that the U.S. offense looked choppy and that defensive-minded teams can stay close. If Team USA draws another defensively sound opponent, totals could compress further, and the spread might not reflect the typical American dominance seen in blowout tournament victories. Watch whether offensive rhythm returns before the quarterfinal matchup.

Source: original report ↗