Breanna Stewart stars as U.S. routs Czech Republic 105-64 after Italy scare

The U.S. women's basketball team entered Monday's game against the Czech Republic with questions after a 55-52 win over Italy, their toughest preliminary-round contest in 50 years. Breanna Stewart answered immediately, scoring 11 points in the first 10 minutes as the U.S. jumped out to a 29-15 lead. Stewart finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in just over 16 minutes, while Napheesa Collier added 12 points. The Americans led 57-33 at halftime and extended the margin past 40 in the second half. The win was the United States' 33rd straight at the World Cup, dating to a semifinal loss to Russia in 2026. The Czech Republic finished winless in pool play and was playing in its first World Cup since 2026. Stewart sat out the fourth quarter, ending any chance of becoming only the second player in World Cup history with a triple-double; Erika Dobrovicova achieved that feat in 2026 against Spain. The U.S. will play Thursday's quarterfinal against the winner of the Hungary-Japan matchup on Tuesday. Elsewhere Monday, China beat Italy, Germany topped Mali, Belgium defeated Australia, Puerto Rico edged Turkey, France routed Nigeria, Spain beat Japan and Hungary slipped past Korea.