Caitlin Clark Shines in Team USA's Victory Over Italy

On March 14, 2026, the USA women's basketball team secured a commanding 93-59 victory over Italy during the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This win marked Team USA's third victory in four days, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament. Kahleah Copper led the scoring with 15 points, while Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers each contributed 12 points. The team showcased a strong offensive performance, shooting 65% from the field and 52% from three-point range.

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Caitlin Clark, a prominent player for the Indiana Fever and former Iowa star, played 22 minutes, recording 12 points, five assists, and one rebound. Her efficiency was notable, as she made 4-of-5 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Clark's presence on the court was impactful, as evidenced by her +27 plus-minus rating, the highest on the team. The U.S. also excelled in rebounding, outpacing Italy 37-25 and converting 15 points off turnovers.

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With head coach Kara Lawson unavailable due to commitments at Duke, Nate Tibbetts took over coaching duties for this match. Tibbetts adjusted the substitution strategy, opting for one player at a time instead of the previous five-player rotations. This change appeared to enhance team chemistry and offensive flow, leading to a more cohesive performance against Italy.

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The game highlighted the potential future of Team USA, with young talents like Clark, Bueckers, and Angel Reese playing significant roles. Their chemistry was evident, particularly in a three-guard lineup that provided both scoring and playmaking capabilities. Clark's dynamic playmaking and ability to connect with teammates were crucial, as she leads the team in assists with 19 across the qualifiers.

Sports Illustrated

Following the game, Clark expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, "I thought we played well as a team and executed our game plan effectively." Coach Tibbetts praised the team's defensive efforts, noting, "We smothered Italy on defense, which set the tone for our offense."

USA Today

Team USA will continue its qualifying campaign with a match against New Zealand on March 15, 2026. The tournament serves as an opportunity for the team to refine its lineup and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup scheduled for September 4-13 in Berlin, Germany.

Hawk Central

This victory not only reinforces Team USA's dominance in women's basketball but also showcases the emergence of a new generation of players poised to lead the team in future international competitions.

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