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Italy gives US a scare and China edges Czech Republic in women’s FIBA World Cup
The Americans survived their toughest World Cup test in two decades, and China rallied from a late deficit to stay unbeaten.
On Sunday, the United States survived its toughest FIBA World Cup test in two decades, securing a narrow 55-52 win over Italy and extending its tournament winning streak to 32 games.
Italy trailed by 15 points early but rallied behind Olbis Andre and Cecilia Zandalasini, cutting the deficit to six before halftime and briefly taking a third-quarter lead.
China edged the Czech Republic 74-70 in an overtime thriller, with Han scoring 22 points to overcome a late fourth-quarter deficit after Eliaka Joklov put the Czechs ahead.
Australia reached the final phase with an 87-71 victory over Turkey, led by 21 points from Ezi, and Belgium booked its place in the next round after a 76-64 win against Puerto Rico.
Group D play continues Monday as Italy faces China, while Belgium and Australia clash to decide their group winner, and the Czech Republic has been eliminated from contention after two tournament losses.