Angel Reese and Team USA have advanced to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup knockout stage, facing the winner of Japan and Hungary on Thursday. The United States finished the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record in Group D, taking down China and Italy before defeating Czechia 105-64 on Monday afternoon.
Reese had another solid night for coach Kara Lawson’s Team USA off the bench. In 20 minutes of action against Czechia, the former Chicago Sky and LSU Tigers star tallied 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting and six rebounds, adding three assists and three steals as well.
And during Team USA’s win over Czechia, Reese made a play that earned her a new nickname from the WNBA itself.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
With 29 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Monday’s matchup, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers found Reese down low. The Team USA forward converted a layup over Petra Malíková to extend the lead to 55-33, while the Czechia guard was called for a personal foul, giving Reese the and-one opportunity.
However, Reese missed the free throw attempt, only for Team USA to grab the offensive rebound, allowing Bueckers to hit a pullup 2-point jumpshot.
The WNBA reacted to Reese’s and-1 play over Malikova during USA vs. Czechia, giving the Atlanta star a new nickname in the process: “And-1 Angel.”
“WE LOVE AND-1 ANGEL 🗣️ #USABWNT | #FIBAWWC,” the WNBA wrote on X.
Reese is now averaging 6.8 points and 8.0 rebounds in three World Cup games, with the Czechia performance being her best. In the opening Group D game against China, Reese tallied five points and nine rebounds, and against Italy, she added eight points and three boards.
While Team USA awaits its next opponent, Reese and the Dream will be back in action on Sept. 17, hosting the Connecticut Sun.
