Virginia Stuns Iowa in Double OT, Reaches Sweet 16

Virginia created history in the women’s NCAA Tournament with a thrilling 83-75 double-overtime win over Iowa in the second round on Monday.

Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with 28 points, including 14 crucial points in overtime. With this victory, 10th-seeded Virginia became the first team from the First Four to reach the Sweet 16.

Virginia (22-11) showed incredible consistency, winning three games in just five days. They first edged Arizona State 57-55 in the First Four, then defeated Georgia 82-73 in overtime, before shocking second-seeded Iowa.

Head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton praised her team’s mindset and resilience. She said the players stayed calm under pressure and believed in their ability to win from the start.

This marks Virginia’s first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 2000. It is also the first time a No. 10 seed has reached this stage since 2022.

Johnson, who played all 50 minutes, said she felt tired but happy after the win. She added that the team came into the tournament confident despite being underestimated.

Paris Clark contributed 20 points, while Romi Levy scored 13 and Caitlin Weimar added 12 for Virginia.

For Iowa (27-7), Ava Heiden led with 26 points, followed by Chazadi Wright with 21. Hannah Stuelke recorded a double-double with 15 points and 19 rebounds.

Iowa had multiple chances to win the game but missed key shots in regulation and the first overtime. Virginia took a 28-23 lead at halftime and maintained better shooting efficiency throughout the game, finishing at 44.4% compared to Iowa’s 36.9%. Johnson, a local player from Charlottesville, has been a key performer this season, averaging 19.3 points per game. Virginia now moves forward with strong momentum, continuing their impressive tournament run.