SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (March 15, 2026)—Las Vegas Aces guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young aided the USA (4-0) to a 101-46 victory over New Zealand (0-4), while Aces center Megan Gustafson and Spain (3-1) dropped a 68-56 battle to Italy (3-1) at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico on Sunday. The trio cap play in Puerto Rico when the USA takes on Spain on Tuesday (2 p.m. PT), in the tournament’s final day of action.

Image Gallery

USA 101, New Zealand 46 (Box Score || Game Highlights)

New Zealand scored first and held a 12-11 edge with 3:17 to play in the first quarter. However, the Americans strung together a 16-0 run to close the quarter up 27-12. The Kiwis never again threatened as the U.S. went up 54-18 at the half, 78-39 at the end of three periods and outscored New Zealand 23-7 in the final stanza. Gray contributed 5 points, 5 assists and a pair of steals and Young added 8 points, 3 boards and 4 assists. All U.S. players who checked into the game scored at least 4 points, led by Rhyne Howard’s 18, while Sharne Robati led New Zealand with 11 points.

Italy 68, Spain 56 (Box Score || Game Highlights)

The game was close from the start and at the end of the first quarter, Italy led 15-13. Italy was still up by 2 at the half, 28-26. Spain hit a 3-pointer to start the second half and held a 6-point lead, 40-34, midway through the third frame. Italy reclaimed the lead but at 2:30, Spain knotted the score at 41-all. Italy took the lead for good on its next possession, never again trailed and closed the period up 47-43. Spain was unable to close the gap in the fourth quarter as Italy took the win and, in the process, earned its berth to this summer’s World Cup. Gustafson led her side with 12 points to go with 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Cecilia Zandalasini scored a game-high 22 for Italy.

Information on how to watch the games live can be found here and game highlights and press conferences are available here.

Three additional six-team FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournaments are taking place concurrently in China, France and Türkiye.

Though the United States qualified for the 2026 FIBA World Cup by virtue of its 2025 FIBA AmeriCup gold medal, while Spain earned its 2026 World Cup berth after moving to 3-0 on Saturday.

A total of 10 teams are now qualified for the 2026 Worlds, which will eventually feature a field of 16 nations from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin. In addition to Italy, Spain and the USA, host Germany and 2025 continental championship gold medalists Australia, Belgium and Nigeria, teams that have thus far qualified during this week’s competition include China, France and South Korea.

Related News

Gray, Young Move to 4-0 in World Cup Qualifying Action, Gustafson Drops to 3-1

Aces Trio Remains Undefeated at 3-0 as World Cup Qualifying Play Continues

Gustafson, Gray, Young Record Victories in Game 2 of World Cup Qualifying Play

Aces Trio of Gustafson, Gray, Young Pick Up Wins on First Day of World Cup Qualifying Action