USA extends winning streak to 33 at World Cup as Italy falls to China
The US women's basketball team secured first place in Group D with a dominant win over the Czech Republic, while Italy lost to China after a weaker second half. All 12 quarterfinal contenders in Berlin are now taking shape.
The group stage of the Women's Basketball World Cup concluded in Berlin on Monday, determining most of the contenders for the tournament's final 12 spots. The United States confirmed its Group D lead with a commanding 105:64 win over the Czech Republic, extending its winning streak to 33 consecutive games. Breanna Stewart led the American scoring with 19 points, and the team kept its usual starting five intact despite skipping Monday's official practice session.
Italy faced a tougher outcome. A day after upsetting the United States on Sunday, the Italians struggled against China on Monday. A slow first half allowed China's tall center players to build a 19-point lead, and although Italy improved in the second half, it wasn't enough to close the gap — China won 71:51.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, lost its chance to advance further after an overtime defeat to China in an earlier round. Mali, Nigeria and Turkey also saw their tournament runs end and will head home on Tuesday.
What's next
Tuesday and Wednesday will see the final group games, deciding which second- and third-placed teams claim the remaining quarterfinal spots. The United States will face the winner of the Hungary–Japan matchup in the quarterfinals, while Spain, having already secured top spot in Group A, awaits the winner between Italy and Australia. Quarterfinals are scheduled for September 10, semifinals for September 12, and the medal games will close out the tournament on September 13.
