Jackie Young delivered an efficient team-high 10 points as the USA edged Italy 55-52 to secure a place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Young made four of her six field-goal attempts, helping the Americans survive a game decided by one possession.
What happened
The USA found enough production from Young, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers to finish ahead in a 107-point game. Young set the scoring pace for the Americans, while Reese and Bueckers contributed on both ends of the floor.
Reese finished with eight points, three rebounds and two blocks. Bueckers added seven points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, supplying contributions across every major category provided.
Why it matters
The victory sends the Americans directly into the last eight and allows them to bypass the qualification round. In a three-point game, Young’s 66.7% shooting gave the USA an efficient source of offense when the final margin left little room for error.
The result keeps the Americans moving through the World Cup without an additional qualification game. It also showed the value of production beyond scoring, with Reese and Bueckers combining for four blocks and Bueckers adding two steals.
By the numbers
Young, Reese and Bueckers combined for 25 of the USA’s 55 points. Together, the trio also recorded 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks, giving the Americans contributions in several areas during the narrow win.
Young accounted for 10 of those points while converting four of six shots from the field. Reese followed with eight points, and Bueckers scored seven as the three players combined for nearly half of the American total.
Bueckers’ five rebounds were accompanied by two assists, two steals and two blocks. Reese’s three rebounds and two blocks added to a combined defensive line that helped the trio finish with four steals and four rejections.
What to watch next
The World Cup quarterfinal round begins Sept. 8, with the USA already assured of its place after beating Italy. The Americans will enter the last eight following a close test in which efficient shooting and multi-category production helped protect a one-possession advantage.
Young’s scoring efficiency will be one number to watch when quarterfinal play opens. Reese and Bueckers also head into the round after combining for 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks against Italy.