USA escapes with win over Italy at women's FIBA World Cup

The United States advanced directly to the quarterfinals of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup on Sunday while China secured a place in the quarterfinal qualification round, after both teams won in Group D.

The U.S. survived a stern challenge from Italy to win 55-52, while China came from behind to defeat Czechia 74-70 in overtime earlier in the day.

Team USA led 23-8 early in the second quarter after a 12-0 run spanning the first two periods. Italy responded with a zone defense and gradually erased the deficit before moving ahead 50-48 with 4:29 remaining.

The U.S. answered with seven consecutive points. Breanna Stewart, who had missed her first eight shots, hit a jumper to put her team ahead 51-50. Jackie Young then added a layup, and Chelsea Gray extended the lead to five.

Italy still had a chance to force overtime, but Cecilia Zandalasini missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Young led the United States with 10 points, while Zandalasini scored a game-high 14 for Italy.

Team USA shot just 29% from the field and made only one of their 12 3-point attempts, but improved to 2-0, guaranteeing first place in Group D and a direct quarterfinal berth.

China trailed 64-59 with 27 seconds left in regulation time before completing a dramatic comeback. Luo Xinyu hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to two, and after Czechia missed two free throws, Yang Shuyu drove for the tying layup with three seconds remaining.

Luo opened overtime with another 3-pointer before Han Xu scored off an offensive rebound to give China a 69-64 lead. China protected its advantage to seal its first victory of the tournament.

Han finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while Yang added 18 points and five assists.

China and Italy, both 1-1, are guaranteed top-three finishes and will meet Monday to decide second and third place in Group D. Czechia was eliminated after suffering its second consecutive defeat.

In Group C, Australia and Belgium both secured at least a place in the quarterfinal qualification round after recording their second victories.

Australia defeated Türkiye 87-71 after leading for 38 minutes, 41 seconds. Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while Steph Talbot contributed 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Opals led by 10 points at halftime and stretched their advantage to as many as 20 in the fourth quarter.

European champion Belgium followed with a 76-64 victory over Puerto Rico. Julie Allemand narrowly missed a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka scored a team-high 16 points off the bench.

Imani McGee-Stafford led Puerto Rico with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Australia and Belgium will meet Monday, with the winner taking first place in Group C and advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Puerto Rico and Türkiye will contest the group's remaining qualification-round berth.