San Juan, Puerto Rico – Team USA delivered a dominant performance, defeating Italy 93-59 in a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament game held at the Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot “El Choli” on Saturday. The victory keeps the Americans undefeated in the qualifying tournament, even as Italy faces an uphill battle to secure their spot in the World Cup later this year.
The game quickly established a clear disparity in talent, with the USA’s depth and intensity proving too much for the Italian squad. While Italy showed early flashes, particularly from beyond the arc, the Americans’ relentless pressure and efficient shooting ultimately dictated the flow of the contest.
Kahleah Copper led the scoring for the United States with 15 points, while Paige Bueckers and Chelsea Gray each added 12. Jackie Young contributed 11 points and Caitlin Clark chipped in with 12 points and five assists in 22 minutes of play. The Americans showcased remarkable balance, with eleven of twelve players on the roster finding their way onto the scoresheet. They shot an impressive 65% from the field and 52% from the three-point line, demonstrating their offensive firepower.
Italy struggled to contain the American offense, and their own shooting efficiency lagged behind, connecting on just 37% of their field goal attempts. Lorela Cubaj led Italy with 12 points, while Cecilia Zandalasini added 6 points and 4 assists. Despite some individual bright spots, the Italian team was consistently outmatched in terms of size, athleticism, and overall execution.
The first quarter saw the USA jump out to an early lead, fueled by strong shooting from Copper and a late three-pointer from Caitlin Clark, closing the period with a 28-11 advantage. Italy attempted to respond with early baskets from Pasa and Zandalasini, but the American defense quickly tightened, forcing turnovers and disrupting the Italian rhythm.
The second quarter continued the trend, as the USA extended their lead to 50-30 at halftime. Chelsea Gray’s playmaking and scoring ability were particularly impactful, and the Americans’ ability to convert in transition proved difficult for Italy to defend. Cubaj managed a late three-pointer for Italy, but the USA answered immediately, maintaining their comfortable lead.
The third quarter saw little change in the game’s dynamic. The USA continued to dominate the paint, outscoring Italy 26-14, and outrebounded the Italians 29-19. Despite some positive moments for Italy, including a three-pointer from Keys, the American lead continued to grow, reaching 69-45 at the end of the period.
The final quarter saw the USA maintain their control, with Paige Bueckers adding a four-point play to further solidify the victory. While Italy continued to fight, the American depth and consistent shooting proved insurmountable. The final score of 93-59 reflected the USA’s overwhelming dominance.
The Americans’ victory was built on a strong team effort, with a balanced scoring attack and a stifling defense. They controlled the boards, finishing with a 37-25 rebounding advantage, and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 15 points off Italian miscues. The USA likewise dominated the paint, outscoring Italy 30-16 inside.
For Italy, the loss is a setback in their quest to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. They will need to regroup and discover a way to address the significant talent gap that was evident in this game. The team will look to improve their performance in their remaining qualifying matches.
Team USA will next face Recent Zealand on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on truTV. This game will provide another opportunity for the Americans to fine-tune their game and prepare for the challenges ahead. The qualifying tournament is crucial for both teams as they strive to secure their place in the prestigious World Cup competition.
Attendance at the Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot “El Choli” was 2,615.
Game Statistics:
- USA: Bueckers 12, Plum 9, Hamby 6, Copper 15, Gray 11, Reese 5, Howard 6, Burrell 12, Clark 12, Young 11, Billings 4, Youngs 0
- Italy: Keys 8, Pasa 7, Verona 4, Zandalasini 6, Cubaj 9, Madera 3, Santucci 9, Andre 9, Spreafico 4, Kacerik 0
The USA’s dominant performance underscores their status as a leading contender in the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Their depth, talent, and relentless intensity will make them a formidable opponent for any team they face. Italy, meanwhile, will need to address their shortcomings and find a way to compete with the world’s best if they hope to qualify for the tournament.
