Team USA avoids the upset against Italy 55-52

After a beating down China on Friday, Team USA had a date with Italy on Sunday. The first half of the game, Team USA struggled to get any rhythm going and turned the ball over five times, which led to points for Italy. The key factor, which helped Team USA breathe a bit was their defense on Italy. Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers had a few blocks, which turned into transition points for them.; It look liked Team USA could build on their 14-point lead, but that would change. Italy went on a 17-6 run and cut United States lead to six at break. At the time Reese was the leading scorer with six points.

Coming out of the break, Coach Lawson wanted her team to cut down the turnovers and take what the defense was giving them, instead of forcing up shots.

The second half for Team USA was just a grinder. Phee ended getting her third foul with eight minutes left in the game and believe or not, Team USA did not connect on a three-point shot until Paige Beuckers hit their first three with 1:45 left in the third. Heading into the fourth, Team USA was in a dog fight with Italy. Shots were not falling for Team USA, so they got themselves to the strike by getting in Italy's zone and putting pressure on their team to foul.

With under two minutes left in regulation, Chelsea Gray put the team on her back and hit a much-needed basket to extend the lead to five. A few minutes, Italy cut their lead to three with a mid-range shot that went in. Team USA stiffened their defense on Italy's last possession to escape with a victory