2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 Set After Day 4 Results & Upsets

Virginia became the first First Four team to reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Monday, upsetting No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Guard Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with 28 points, although Paris Clark added 20.

The Cavaliers (22-11) overcame a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Hawkeyes (27-7), who were heavily favored in the second-round matchup. Iowa’s Ava Heiden scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but the Hawkeyes struggled from three-point range, shooting just 5-of-29 from beyond the arc. Iowa also finished a dismal 8-of-16 from the free throw line.

Virginia’s victory marks a historic run for a team that began the tournament in the First Four, defeating Arizona State and Georgia before facing Iowa. Johnson’s performance was key, but the Cavaliers’ poise in a hostile environment proved decisive. Virginia is moving on to the regional semifinals, while Iowa’s season ends earlier than expected.

The game was tight throughout, with multiple lead changes and crucial moments down the stretch. Iowa had opportunities to win in regulation and the first overtime, but missed shots and late fouls allowed Virginia to stay alive. In the second overtime, Iowa lost both Heiden and Kylie Feuerbach to fouls, further hindering their chances.

Elsewhere in the tournament, UCLA defeated Oklahoma State 81-66, propelled by a dominant 35-point performance from center Lauren Betts. The Bruins (27-7) will face Minnesota in the Sweet Sixteen. South Carolina cruised past USC 100-73, led by Joyce Edwards’ 23 points and 10 rebounds and will play Oklahoma. Vanderbilt topped Illinois 77-67, with Mikayla Blakes scoring 25 points, and will face Notre Dame. UConn dominated Syracuse 84-52, with Azzi Fudd scoring 34 points, and will play North Carolina. Kentucky defeated West Virginia 76-68, led by Teonni Key’s 19 points and 10 rebounds, and will face Texas. Finally, Notre Dame defeated Ohio State 82-71, with Hannah Hidalgo scoring 26 points, and will face Vanderbilt.

Louisville also advanced, defeating Alabama 72-67, despite shooting poorly from the free throw line and three-point range. The Cardinals will face Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen.

Virginia will face TCU in the regional semifinals. The Cavaliers’ improbable run continues, defying expectations and rewriting tournament history.