Aliyah Boston and USA’s veteran core delivered the late plays in a 55-52 escape against Italy, clinching a World Cup quarterfinal berth. Italy had an opportunity to extend the game in the closing seconds but missed the three-point attempt that would have forced overtime.

What happened

USA appeared to establish control early, building a 19-8 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Italy responded across the middle two periods, outscoring the Americans 31-23 and turning the game into a possession-by-possession contest.

The pressure carried into the closing stretch after a game that included eight lead changes and seven ties. With the result still undecided, Boston and the Americans’ veterans made the plays needed to protect the narrow lead before Italy’s final three-point try missed.

Why it matters

The victory moved USA to 2-0 in Group D and guaranteed the Americans a place in the quarterfinals. Italy dropped to 1-1 after pushing USA closer than any opponent had in a World Cup game in decades.

The three-point margin was USA’s smallest World Cup victory since 1979. That narrow gap underscored how little separated the teams after Italy recovered from its slow first quarter and repeatedly challenged the Americans through the rest of the game.

By the numbers

USA’s 55 points represented its lowest total in a World Cup game since 1984. The Americans shot 29% from the field and made only 8.3% of their three-point attempts, leaving little room for error as Italy erased most of the early 11-point deficit.

The opening quarter supplied USA with its largest clear advantage, but the next two periods shifted the balance. Italy’s 31-23 edge across those quarters helped produce the eight lead changes and seven ties that defined the game’s competitive rhythm.

What to watch next

USA closes Group D play against Czechia on Monday with advancement already secured. The immediate focus will be on an offense coming off a historically low scoring performance and severely limited production from beyond the arc.

The Americans escaped Italy through late execution and veteran contributions, but the narrow result leaves their offense facing a quick test. Monday’s group finale offers USA its next opportunity to respond after its closest World Cup win since 1979.