The United States cruised to a 93-59 victory over Italy, improving United States‘ FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament record to a perfect 3-0.
While much has been made of the competitive history between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the qualifying round has showcased their ability to function as a cohesive unit.
Head coach Kara Lawson‘s decision to play the young stars together has yielded immediate results, with the group displaying an elite level of chemistry that helped fuel the team’s dominant offensive performance.
A blueprint for global dominance
The statistical output from the win over Italy underscored the efficiency of the American bench. Paige Bueckers led the second-unit charge, scoring 12 points in 23 minutes of action.
Clark matched that scoring total with 12 points of her own, while adding five assists. Meanwhile, Reese provided the interior presence necessary to anchor the unit, contributing five points and hauling in seven rebounds.
Together, the group combined for 29 points, effectively ending any Italy hopes of a comeback during the middle quarters and contributing to the team’s impressive 60.7 percent shooting average during the group phase.
This dominant run in Puerto Rico is being viewed by team officials and fans alike as the essential blueprint for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
With the main event scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 through September 13, the coaching staff is using these qualifiers to solidify rotations and build rapport between the veteran core and the incoming “generational” talents.
The ease with which the roster has integrated Clark‘s playmaking with Reese‘s rebounding and Bueckers‘ scoring suggests the transition of power within the program is already well underway.
A 14-second clip circulated widely on social media, capturing Clark, Reese and Bueckers waiting at the scorer’s table to check into the game.
The footage, shared by TNT Sports, served as a visual warning to the rest of the field, with the caption: “Imagine looking to the sideline and seeing this trio getting ready to check in against you.”
As the qualifying tournament moves toward its conclusion, the United States will look to maintain its unblemished standing in the remaining matchups against New Zealand and Spain.
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