Lundberg pointed to a moment where Clark took clear contact from Olbis Andre in the first quarter while attacking the paint. <\/p>\n
There was another moment that added to the tension in the first quarter. With 2:03 left in the period, play stopped while officials discussed a foul call involving Clark. <\/p>\n
Clark walked over to share her perspective, prompting a sideline reaction from Italy head coach Andrea Capobianco. <\/p>\n
Professional lip readers later showed Capobianco shouting across the court, and Clark replied, saying, \u201cStop complaining.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lundberg, however, wasn\u2019t alone in questioning the officiating. Sports commentator Jason Whitlock raised a similar complaint on X. <\/p>\n
He said that FIBA\u2019s intense physicality could derail the Americans\u2019 gold-medal hopes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a brutal game of basketball. If the refs are going to allow that level of physicality, there\u2019s a good chance we won\u2019t win\u2026. The physicality eliminated CC and bothered Stewart throughout and slowed Boston late. Ugly hoops,\u201d Whitlock posted.<\/p>\n
How Italy\u2019s 2-3 zone stifled the world\u2019s best offense<\/p>\n
The officiating may raise concerns, but the way Italy completely dismantled Team USA\u2019s attack is truly commendable.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, Italy really kind of mucked up the game for us a little bit. It made it difficult for us to score. They are a tough team. Tons of respect to what they\u2019ve done,\u201d said Breanna Stewart after the win.<\/p>\n
Italy switched into a 2-3 zone midway through the first quarter after falling behind 23-8, and the result was immediate. <\/p>\n
They ripped off a 16-7 run to cut the deficit to 30-24 by halftime. They continued the surge in the third quarter and took the lead at one point. <\/p>\n
Italy\u2019s defense held Team USA to 29 percent shooting from the field and 1-of-12 from three-point range. And Team USA\u2019s 55-point win marked their lowest total in a World Cup victory since beating Australia 42-38 back in 1967.<\/p>\n
The individual numbers were just as rough. Clark finished 0-for-6 with a single free throw, her first scoreless-from-the-field outing at any level of basketball. <\/p>\n
Stewart missed her first eight shots before finally connecting on her ninth.<\/p>\n