Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Kara Lawson reacts to a call during the first quarter of the game against the UCLA Bruins in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The path to another FIBA Women’s World Cup title was never going to be easy for Team USA and coach Kara Lawson. They certainly felt that after seeing Italy punch above its weight to take the Americans down to the wire on Sunday.
The Team USA had a solid start to the game, leading 19-8 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Italians remarkably fought back by cutting the deficit down to just three points, 42-39, entering the fourth quarter. This remained the case throughout the second half, proving to be the toughest test for the Americans so far this tournament.
Even though Team USA fended off Italy’s efforts, it’s a clear sign they must channel their best form of teamwork to make a deep run in the global tournament. Boasting a very talented roster of WNBA stars that is capable of winning it all, Lawson took note of what she saw from the game and made sure to emphasize to all the players the importance of never taking their opponents for granted on the biggest stage.
“Let this be the last time that a team plays with more passion than us throughout the course of the game,” Lawson said in a passionate locker room speech.
“Let this be the last time that all 12 don’t show up to compete at a high level. And then let this be the last time that we lack a resilient mindset, because we’re so upset that we’re not scoring the way we’re normally scoring. That to me is what we’ve gotta grow and mature in moving forward.”
Lawson added, “Your contribution is not limited to how well you score the ball. Your contribution has to be your effort, your passion, your energy, your intensity that you play with, all right? We gotta be the hardest playing team in this tournament. We will not win on our talent, even though our talent is awesome. But we will not win on it.”
Inside the #USABWNT locker room after improving to 2-0 & qualifying for the #FIBAWWC quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/JkknXTYiDB
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 6, 2026
Lawson and Team USA may have underperformed in their second contest of group action, but they still managed to beat Italy 55-52. However, almost every Team USA player, especially Caitlin Clark, showcased an underwhelming outing.
Team USA Players’ Lackluster Show Vs. Italy
Only one player scored in double digits for the U.S. in the victory. It was Jackie Young. She led the team with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Angel Reese came next with eight points, three rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in just 15 minutes off the bench. Paige Bueckers had seven points and five rebounds; meanwhile, Naheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper and Aliyah Boston scored six points each.
Caitlin Clark notably struggled in this contest.
Throughout 19 minutes of action, she failed to make any of her six shot attempts. She wound up with just one point, four rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 19 minutes. Rhyne Howard, who scored in double-digits against China, also regressed down to two points against the Italians.
Regardless, Team USA has secured first place in the Group D standings after winning their opening two contests. With four points lead, they are above Italy, China and the Czech Republic in that order.
They stand out as a favorite to win the entire tournament, making their remaining contests more crucial for them to continue playing at their best and not slip up against tougher opponents in the knockout stage.
Team USA will look forward to their last matchup in group play in the FIBA Women’s World Cup. They take on the Czechs next, with tip-off commencing on Sept. 7. It remains to be seen if Lawson’s warning does any good for the team in their next contest.