FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup

Caitlin Clark steals spotlight for Team USA with 12 points and hilarious exit

Team USA improved to 3-0 with their win over Italy on Saturday, and Caitlin Clark stole the show - but not just on the court.

Team USA improved to 3-0 with their win over Italy on Saturday, and Caitlin Clark stole the show - but not just on the court.
GREG FIUME | AFP
Jennifer Bubel
Sports Journalist, AS USA
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

Team USA kept their perfect start alive in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament on Saturday, defeating Italy 93‑59 in a commanding performance. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark contributed 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting and added five assists, showcasing why she’s one of the premier guards in women’s basketball.

Caitlin Clark stands out on and off the court

Clark’s scoring included a highlight-worthy deep three-pointer in the first quarter with five seconds left on the clock, giving Team USA a 28‑11 lead. The play drew attention on social media after FIBA shared a slow-motion replay, earning plenty of praise from fans.

While Clark’s on-court performance impressed, it was her post-game behavior that quickly went viral. As the players walked through the tunnel toward the locker room, Clark playfully tried to avoid the media, ducking near the FIBA backdrop and seemingly sneaking past cameras.

Fans on social media quickly noticed, reacting with laughter and amusement, with comments like, “I love whatever is wrong with her.” Her lighthearted antics, paired with her stellar play, highlighted Clark’s personality both on and off the court.

Team USA entered Saturday’s game undefeated, having previously beaten Senegal and Puerto Rico, and with the win over Italy, improved to 3‑0 in the qualifying tournament.

The Americans have already secured a spot in the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany, this September, thanks to their 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup championship.

Team USA still has two remaining games in the tournament, facing New Zealand before closing out against Spain. With Clark’s combination of skill, clutch shooting (and comedic timing), fans will undoubtedly have their eyes on her for both her highlights and her playful off-court moments.

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