Virginia Upsets Iowa in 2OT, Reaches Sweet 16 as Double-Digit Seed

Virginia Stuns Iowa in Double-Overtime Thriller, Reaches Sweet Sixteen

Iowa City, IA – In a game that will be remembered as an instant classic, the No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers upset No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime on Monday afternoon, securing a spot in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Cavaliers’ improbable run continues, becoming the first team ever to reach the Sweet Sixteen after starting the tournament in the First Four.

The victory marks Virginia’s first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2000, and they are now the only double-digit seed remaining in the tournament. The game was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by dramatic swings in momentum and clutch performances from key players on both sides.

Virginia initially established a lead in the first half, but Iowa responded with a dominant third quarter, building a nine-point advantage heading into the fourth. The Hawkeyes appeared poised to control the game and advance, but Virginia refused to yield, mounting a furious comeback to force the first overtime.

The first overtime period was filled with tension and controversy. With less than 30 seconds remaining and the score tied, a foul called on Virginia was upgraded to a flagrant foul after review. This awarded Iowa two free throws and possession of the ball. However, Iowa’s Chit-Chat Wright only converted one of the two free throws, and missed another attempt after being fouled on the subsequent possession. This gave Virginia a crucial opportunity to tie the game, which Kymora Johnson successfully accomplished.

Iowa had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Taylor Stremlow’s three-point attempt rimmed out, sending the game into a second overtime.

The second overtime was all Virginia. The Cavaliers seized control, pulling away for a comfortable victory and completing the stunning upset. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display, overcoming adversity and executing when it mattered most.

Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with a stellar performance, scoring 28 points while playing all 50 minutes of the contest. Paris Clark added 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, providing crucial support for Virginia.

A Rocky Road to March Madness Success

Virginia’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. The Cavaliers got off to a strong start to the season, posting a 13-3 record. However, they struggled in conference play, finishing with a 6-8 record. A three-game losing streak to end the regular season, culminating in a second-round exit in the ACC Tournament against Clemson, left their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance.

Despite the late-season struggles, the NCAA Tournament committee granted Virginia a spot in the First Four, recognizing their overall resume, which included notable wins against Louisville and Notre Dame. Since then, the Cavaliers have consistently defied expectations, winning each game by a narrow margin.

They defeated Arizona State by two points in the First Four, followed by a nine-point overtime victory against Georgia in the first round. Now, with the win over Iowa, they’ve continued their improbable run, showcasing a remarkable ability to perform under pressure.

Virginia is the first double-digit seed to reach the Sweet Sixteen since 2022, when Creighton and South Dakota both accomplished the feat. They are also the eighth 10-seed to ever reach this stage of the tournament. The Cavaliers are just the fifth team in NCAA Tournament history to win multiple overtime games in a single tournament, and the first to win overtime contests in both the first and second rounds.

Looking Ahead: A Matchup with TCU

Virginia’s next challenge will be a Sweet Sixteen matchup against TCU in Sacramento on Saturday. A victory would propel the Cavaliers to the Elite Eight, a stage they haven’t reached since 1996. The team will undoubtedly look to continue their Cinderella story and prove that their success is no fluke.

The Cavaliers’ resilience, coupled with the outstanding play of Johnson and Clark, has positioned them as a dangerous opponent for any team in the tournament. Their ability to overcome adversity and execute in crucial moments will be key as they navigate the challenges ahead. The nation will be watching to see if Virginia can continue its remarkable run and further cement its place in NCAA Tournament history.