A gritty late surge lifts the US past Italy 55-52 in its toughest World Cup test in years

BERLIN — The United States faced its stiffest challenge in nearly two decades in the women's FIBA World Cup and escaped with a win over Italy thanks to a few timely baskets late and a key defensive play by Chelsea Gray. Jackie Young scored 10 points to lead the struggling offense in the 55-52 win on Sunday. It was the fewest points the Americans had scored in a World Cup win since they beat Australia 42-38 in 1967. “You have to be able to win different ways in this tournament because every team stylistically plays a little bit different,” U.S. coach Kara Lawson said. “You do have to be able to win when you don’t have your fastball. We didn’t have a fastball tonight, but we figured it out late and we’ll grow from it.” The U.S. (2-0) has won 32 straight World Cup games dating to a loss to Russia in the 2006 semifinals. They are a tough team.

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