USA maintain perfect start with dominant win over Italy

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

  

The United States women’s national team maintained their perfect record at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament with a commanding 93–59 victory over Italy on Saturday.

Both sides entered the clash unbeaten at 2–0, but the Americans proved too strong, improving to 3–0 while handing the Italians their first defeat of the competition.

Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray led the charge for the U.S., combining for 26 points and shooting an efficient 10-of-16 from the field. Gray also orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing with a game-high eight assists.

Assistant coach Nate Tibbetts, who is leading the team for the remainder of the tournament following head coach Kara Lawson’s return to Duke to prepare for the NCAA Tournament, praised his team’s early intensity.

“I thought we came out and set the tone early, and I thought our starting group did a really good job,” Tibbetts said.

Copper opened the scoring off a pass from Gray and the duo quickly established rhythm. After Italy briefly kept the contest close in the opening minutes, the Americans took control with a barrage of three-point shooting.

Jackie Young knocked down the first triple for the U.S., before Dearica Hamby, who finished with a game-high nine rebounds, found Copper in the corner for another. 

Gray then drilled a pull-up three to extend the lead to 16–7 and force an Italian timeout.

The U.S. defense also made its mark, holding Italy scoreless for the final 2:31 of the first quarter. Caitlin Clark capped the period with a three-pointer to give the Americans a commanding 28–11 lead.

“I think we did a really good job defensively, especially in the first quarter,” Gray said. “That allowed us to get out in transition and not rely on too many set plays.”

The momentum continued in the second quarter as Kelsey Plum opened with a turnaround jumper. Italy attempted to slow the tempo with a zone defense, but the Americans remained efficient, heading into halftime with a comfortable 50–30 advantage after Gray converted a step-back jumper and two free throws.

The U.S. extended their dominance after the break, opening the third quarter on a 12–2 run. Copper added a layup and a three-pointer during the surge, while the defense restricted Italy to just 15 points in the period as the lead ballooned to 69–45.

In the final quarter, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers caught fire, combining for 15 points to seal the emphatic win. Bueckers finished 5-of-8 from the field, including four three-pointers, while Clark shot an impressive 4-of-5 overall.

The Americans ended the game shooting 52.3 percent from beyond the arc (11-of-21), underlining their offensive efficiency.

With the victory secured, the United States now turn their attention to their next matchup against New Zealand on Sunday.

“There’s a standard when you wear this uniform,” Gray said. “It’s a winning standard, and hopefully we continue to sustain that.”