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Caitlin Clark scores in double digits as Team USA smokes Italy
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- Caitlin Clark scores in double digits as Team USA smokes Italy
Caitlin Clark scored 12 points and had five assists to help the USA women's basketball team stay perfect at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The U.S. had five players in double figures in the 93-59 victory over Italy, their third in four days. Kahleah Cooper had 15 points to lead all scorers. Paige Bueckers also added 12 and Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young had 11 points each.
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Clark was plus-27 when she was on the floor, the best on Team USA. She played 22 minutes, bested only by Bueckers, who played 23. Eleven of the 12 players on Team USA's roster scored. Kiki Iriafen was the outlier. The team shot 65% from the field and 52% from behind the 3-point line.
The U.S. outrebounded Italy 37-25 with a 30-16 advantage on the defensive glass. They had 15 points off turnovers and 30 points in the paint.
The United States plays New Zealand next at 2 p.m. ET Sunday on truTV.
Four-point play for Paige Bueckers
The former UConn star and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year hit a long 3-pointer and was fouled. She made the free throw for the four-point play and now has double digits, with 10 points. She also took a charging foul with about four minutes remaining to force an Italian turnover.
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End of 3Q: USA 69, Italy 45
Kahleah Cooper has 15 points to lead three player in double figures for Team USA. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray have 11 points each. The U.S. is shooting a red-hot 70% from the field.
The U.S. continues to dominate in the paint, outscoring Italy 26-14. They are also outrebounding the Italians 29-19.
Jackie Young showing efficiency
The former Notre Dame point guard and No. 1 pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft has 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. She is a team-best plus-21.
Halftime: USA 50, Italy 30
Chelsea Gray has 11 points and three assists to lead the U.S. at the break. Kahleah Cooper has 10 points, Caitlin Clark seven and Kelsey Plum six. Dearica Hamby is stuffing the stat sheet with four points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
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The U.S. is outrebounding Italy 11-8 and has 10 points off turnovers and 14 points in the paint.
CC to Angel
The U.S. is making things happen in the transition game, getting the extra pass from Caitlin Clark for the Angel Reese finish.
Point Gawd scoring and dishing
Chelsea Gray, who started at point guard, has seven points on 3-for-4 shooting. She also has two assists.
No more platoon substituting
In the first two games of the tournament, USA coach Kara Lawson had been subbing in five players at a time. She said she was trying to find a lineup with good chemistry. Saturday, Tibbets is subbing a player at a time.
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End of 1Q: USA 25, Italy 11
The USA if off to a good start with the offense running smoother than it did against Puerto Rico. Caitlin Clark and Kahleah Cooper have seven points each to lead the Americans. Clark hit a long-range three, her signature, to close out the quarter.
The USA has smothered Italy on defense. It is shooting 26.6% from the field and 21.4% from three. The shot clock has run out on their offense three times.
Kahleah Cooper off to a hot start
Cooper has scored 16 of Team USA's 16 points in the early going. She has one 3-pointer. The U.S. is shooting 60% for three.
Caitlin Clark checks in
Caitlin Clark came in at 6:46 mark of the first quarter and immediately scored a driving layup.
Nate Tibbets coaching team USA
Kara Lawson had to return to Duke and prepare for women's March Madness so Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts is in the head coaching chair for Saturday's game against Italy.
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Starting lineup for Team USA
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(6) Dearica Hamby, 6-3 F
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(7) Kahleah Copper , 6-1 F
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(8) Chelsea Gray, 5-11 G
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(11) Rae Burrell , 6-2 G
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(13) Jackie Young, 6-0 G
Paige Buckets stretching it out
Caitlin Clark warming up with Team USA
The U.S. Team is getting ready for its game against Italy in Puerto Rico.
What time is Team USA women's basketball vs Italy?
The Team USA women's basketball game is at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 14, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Team USA women's basketball vs Italy | TV/streaming
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Date: Saturday, March 14
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Time:5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)
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TV: truTV
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Stream: Sling TV , HBO Max
How to watch Team USA: Schedule
All times Eastern
| March 15 |
New Zealand vs. USA |
2 p.m. |
truTV, DIRECTV, HBO Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 17 |
Spain vs. USA |
5 p.m. |
TNT, DIRECTV, HBO Max |
Team USA Women's World Cup Qualifying 2026 - Team Roster
Below are the players selected to represent the USA at the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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(4) Paige Bueckers
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(5) Kelsey Plum
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(6) Dearica Hamby
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(7) Kahleah Copper
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(8) Chelsea Gray
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(9) Angel Reese
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(10) Rhyne Howard
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(11) Rae Burrell
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(12) Caitlin Clark
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(13) Jackie Young
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(14) Monique Billings
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(15) Kiki Iriafen
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark one of five players in double figures for Team USA vs. Italy
