Virginia Shocks Iowa in Double Overtime, Reaches Sweet 16 | NCAA Women’s Tournament 2024

IOWA CITY, Iowa – In a stunning upset that reverberated through the women’s NCAA Tournament, the University of Virginia Cavaliers defeated the No. 2 seeded Iowa Hawkeyes 83-75 in double overtime Monday night. The victory marks the first time a No. 10 seed has reached the Sweet Sixteen since Creighton accomplished the feat in 2022, when they also defeated Iowa in the second round.

Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with a game-high 28 points, including crucial baskets and free throws in the two extra periods. Virginia (22-11) secured the win after a grueling contest played in front of a sellout crowd of 14,332 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Cavaliers’ improbable run began with a First Four victory over Arizona State and continued with an 82-73 overtime win against Georgia.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead for much of the regulation. Virginia held a 28-23 advantage at halftime, despite shooting just 39.3% from the field. Iowa struggled with its outside shooting, connecting on only one of 12 three-point attempts in the first half. The Hawkeyes (27-7) faced early challenges as Iowa center Ava Heiden picked up two fouls within the first five minutes of play.

Iowa had multiple opportunities to close out the game in the final moments of regulation and the first overtime period. A potential game-winning jumper by Chazadi Wright with one second remaining in regulation fell short. In the first overtime, Iowa missed two shots – a three-pointer from Taylor Stremlow and a putback attempt by Heiden – that could have secured the victory.

The Cavaliers’ resilience was on full display, as they overcame a nine-point deficit in the second half, fueled by eight consecutive points from Paris Clark. A late three-pointer by Romi Levy and a subsequent three-pointer from Johnson tied the game at 57 apiece, forcing the first overtime. Johnson’s performance in the two overtime periods proved decisive, as she scored a key layup and converted six free throws to propel Virginia to the win.

Virginia’s victory is particularly notable as they are the first team to reach the Sweet Sixteen after participating in the First Four. The Cavaliers will now face third-seeded TCU in the regional semi-finals, continuing their unexpected tournament journey.