Team USA’s outing vs. Italy is turning out to be a tougher job than they might have expected. The Americans have been struggling on the offensive end in front of Italy’s defensive pressure. However, while her teammates have been struggling, Angel Reese is the only player whose stat line reflects any positivity. While Reese is putting pressure on the Italians with her hustle plays, her numbers have divided fans on social media.
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Team USA outscored Italy 19-8 in the opening quarter. However, the Europeans responded in the second quarter, outscoring the defending champions 16-11 and narrowing the gap. As the pressure mounted on the Americans, their game collapsed in the third quarter as well. They were outscored by 15-12 again.
By the end of the third quarter, Angel Reese led Team USA in points and steals. She had tallied 8 points, 2 rebounds, a steal, and 2 blocks. The official FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup handle even posted a clip of Reese’s highlight play. However, some fans found it hard to take their mind away from how poorly Team USA was playing.
“The US Women suck,” wrote a frustrated fan as Italy continued to keep the game close even in the fourth quarter.
“She’s been the best player for Team USA so far.” It is hard to deny the claim. Angel Reese led the first game in rebounds. Aside from her 9 rebounds, she scored 5 points. The US team benefited from her presence on the court. In this game, she has been their best player, keeping them in close contention.
However, there were also some fans who chose to make fun of the WNBA star. “Just don’t pass to her underneath the rim,” a fan said, reacting to a steal by Reese, who scored a fast-break layup after stealing a bad pass.
“And that’s why we almost lost the lead. Too much relying on Angel Reese,” one fan wrote.
The Atlanta Dream star’s presence stayed positive until the fourth quarter, when it dropped to -1. However, many also paired Angel Reese with what she was doing defensively.
“Good read by Reese and finish,” commented one fan, while another fan wrote that the Atlanta Dream star should make more plays like the one FIBA shared in the clip.
“I wish she jumped for layups like she do for rebounds she would be dunking that”
Angel Reese was impactful on defense against China and got 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal against Italy. Her performance even caught CBS reporter and analyst Wilton C. Jackson II’s attention, who wrote.
Angel Reese is really building on her case toward #WNBA DPOY. #FIBAWWC
However, the rest of the team struggled offensively, with only Jackie Young reaching double-digit points, scoring 10. Although Team USA defeated Italy 55-52, it ended up being one of their worst performances in years.