The Associated Press

BERLIN — Italy gave the United States a huge scare in the women’s FIBA World Cup on Sunday, while China needed overtime to edge the Czech Republic 74-70 in another thriller.

The U.S. survived its toughest test at the tournament in two decades with a 55-52 win over Italy, with Jackie Young scoring 10 points.

It stretched the Americans’ winning run at the World Cup to 32 games, but none of them have been closer.

Italy trailed by 15 points early in the second quarter, but fought back through Olbis Andre and Cecilia Zandalasini as they cut the gap to six points before the break.

Andre’s block on Caitlin Clark before halftime brought a roar from the fans who increasingly got behind Italy, and Andre gave the Italians a three-point lead in the third quarter.

The U.S. trailed 50-48 with 4:29 left before going on a 7-0 run. Italy (1-1) had one last chance to tie it, but Zandalasini’s 3-pointer was off at the buzzer.

“We are a team that after 32 years came to the World Cup and almost beat USA so what can I say? I’m really proud of my team,” point guard Mariella Santucci told The Associated Press. “I think this can really tell us how we can compete at the highest level against the best team in the world. So, we’re going to take everything, the good, the bad, the physical, everything that is, and we’re gonna take it forward.”

Italy next faces China (1-1) on Monday in Group D. The U.S. (2-0) tops the group and has already advanced to the quarterfinals ahead of its final game against the Czech Republic, which is eliminated after two losses.

China’s comeback

China needed overtime to beat the Czech Republic.

Han Xu scored 22 points and drew China level at 53-53 in the final quarter after her team had trailed for most of the game.

Eliška Joklová put the Czechs 64-59 up with 27 seconds left only for Luo Xinyu to respond with a 3-pointer and Yang Shuyu to level at 64-64 with 3 seconds to go – after Joklová missed two free throws. There was still time for Joklová to miss another chance to clinch the win.

Belgium hopes no more fire alarms

Emma Meesseman completed the scoring as European champion Belgium booked its place in the final phase with a comfortable 76-64 win over Puerto Rico, its second victory in Group C.

Imani McGee-Stafford finished with 25 points for Puerto Rico, which lost against Belgium for the third time at a World Cup.

Ezi does it for Australia

Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points as Australia reached the final phase with a physical 87-71 win over Turkey earlier Sunday.

Turkey, led by Sevgi Uzun with 24 points, was down 8-0 at the start but fought back after a timeout to lead 15-14. That was brief, however, as the Opals rallied to end the first quarter 21-15 up and did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.