IOWA CITY, Iowa – In a game that epitomized March’s unpredictable magic, the University of Virginia women’s basketball team secured a stunning 83-75 double-overtime victory over the No. 2 seeded Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday night. The win sends the 10th-seeded Cavaliers to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2000, marking a significant milestone in head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton’s tenure and a thrilling chapter in UVA women’s basketball history. This NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament upset reverberates through the bracket, proving that seeding doesn’t always tell the full story.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by dramatic swings in momentum. Kymora Johnson, a force for the Cavaliers throughout the tournament, led all scorers with 28 points, playing all 50 minutes of the contest. Her relentless energy and clutch shooting were instrumental in overcoming a late deficit and ultimately securing the victory. Paris Clark added a crucial 20 points and seven rebounds, providing vital support alongside Johnson. The Cavaliers’ resilience was on full display as they erased a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit, forcing the game into overtime and then navigating a tense second extra period.
A Game of Runs and Resilience
Iowa came out strong in the third quarter, embarking on an 18-4 run that quickly erased Virginia’s halftime lead. The Hawkeyes outscored the Cavaliers 25-11 in the period, seemingly taking control of the game. However, Virginia refused to yield. A nearly four-minute scoring drought by Iowa allowed UVA to rally, tying the game with 2:10 remaining. A last-second shot by Wright rimmed out as time expired, sending the game into the first overtime period.
The first overtime proved equally dramatic, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant advantage. The score remained tied, forcing a second overtime period where Virginia finally seized control. Outscoring Iowa 18-10 in the final five minutes, the Cavaliers demonstrated a level of composure and execution that ultimately proved decisive. The team’s ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure was a testament to their preparation and mental fortitude.
“We Came Into March Trying to Show What Virginia is About”
The victory is particularly meaningful for a Virginia program that has faced challenges in recent years. “I think we had confidence going into the Georgia game, going into the Arizona State game,” Johnson said, reflecting on the team’s momentum. “Just coming into March, we’re a confident team and I think we believe in all the work that we’ve put in. Not a lot of people have. They’ve written us off. We came into March trying to show what Virginia is about.” Her words encapsulate the team’s underdog mentality and determination to prove their doubters wrong.
Coach Agugua-Hamilton, who took the helm at Virginia prior to the 2022-23 season, expressed the significance of the win. “It means everything,” she said. “That’s why I came to Virginia. I chose Virginia. I had a lot of options. We had a great run at my last school, and I wanted to head to Virginia for many reasons.” Agugua-Hamilton’s vision for the program is clearly taking shape, and this tournament run is a significant step forward.
Looking Ahead: The Sweet Sixteen Awaits
With the win, Virginia improves to 22-11 on the season and earns multiple NCAA tournament victories for the first time since the 2000 season, when they reached the Final Four. Virginia Athletics confirmed the details of the game and the team’s advancement.
The Cavaliers now await their opponent in the Sweet Sixteen, with the bracket set to be finalized shortly. The team’s success is not only a source of pride for the university but also a boost for the entire Charlottesville community. The journey continues, and the Cavaliers are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Fans can locate the latest updates and bracket information on the official NCAA March Madness website.
The team’s next challenge will be a significant test, but the confidence gained from this hard-fought victory over Iowa will undoubtedly serve them well. The Sweet Sixteen matchup details, including date, time, and location, will be released by the NCAA in the coming days. Stay tuned to time.news for continued coverage of the Virginia Cavaliers’ tournament journey.
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