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

Iowa City, Iowa – In a stunning upset that reverberated through the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 10 seed Virginia Cavaliers defeated the No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes 83-75 in a double-overtime contest Monday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Cavaliers’ victory marks the first time a First Four team has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the women’s tournament.

Kymora Johnson led all scorers with 28 points, repeatedly stepping up in crucial moments and forcing both overtime periods. Paris Clark added 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for Virginia (22-11). The Hawkeyes finished their season at 27-7.

A Game of Runs and Resilience

The game was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by significant momentum swings. Virginia initially built a seven-point lead, only to witness Iowa respond and take a nine-point advantage during the third quarter. However, the Cavaliers refused to wilt. A personal 8-0 run by Clark, fueled by two crucial three-pointers, trimmed the deficit. With 2:11 remaining in regulation, Johnson connected on a three-pointer to tie the game, and Iowa failed to score on their final five possessions of the fourth quarter, sending the game to overtime.

The first overtime period saw both teams trade leads, but a late basket by Johnson tied the score at 65-65 with 13 seconds left. In the second overtime, Virginia seized control, scoring 11 of the first 13 points and securing the victory from the free-throw line. The Cavaliers’ composure in the face of adversity proved to be a decisive factor.

Free Throws and Rebounding Share the Tale

Virginia’s success at the free-throw line was a key component of their victory, converting 18 of 23 attempts. Iowa, in contrast, struggled from the charity stripe, making only 8 of 16. Rebounding likewise played a significant role, with Virginia demonstrating a collective effort on the glass.

Ava Heiden led Iowa with 26 points, while Chit-Chat Wright contributed 21. Hannah Stuelke had a dominant performance on the boards, grabbing 19 rebounds, and adding 15 points and six assists for the Hawkeyes. Despite Stuelke’s impressive effort, Iowa couldn’t overcome Virginia’s relentless attack and clutch shooting.

Flagrant Foul Controversy

The game wasn’t without its moments of controversy. Late in the first overtime, a flagrant-1 foul was called on Virginia, leading to a review by officials. The call ultimately stood, adding another layer of drama to an already intense contest. The review process itself contributed to the disjointed flow of the overtime periods, with frequent stoppages for video review.

Virginia’s Historic Run Continues

Virginia’s improbable tournament journey began in the First Four, where they secured a spot in the main bracket. Now, they’ve defied expectations by reaching the Sweet Sixteen, becoming the first First Four team to achieve this feat in the women’s tournament. They will face TCU in a regional semifinal on Saturday, March 28.

Louisville Survives Close Call Against Alabama

In other NCAA Tournament action on Monday, No. 3 seed Louisville edged past No. 6 seed Alabama 69-68 in a nail-biting contest. Elif Istanbulluoglu and Tajianna Roberts each scored 18 points for the Cardinals, who advanced to the Sweet Sixteen from the Regional 3. A late three-pointer by Alabama’s Karly Weathers nearly forced a tie, but Louisville held on for the win. Istanbulluoglu also contributed 11 rebounds in the victory.

What’s Next for Virginia?

The Virginia Cavaliers will now prepare for their regional semifinal matchup against TCU. The game promises to be another challenging test for the Cinderella team, but their resilience and clutch performances thus far suggest they are capable of continuing their remarkable tournament run. The location and time of the game are yet to be announced by the NCAA.

The Hawkeyes’ season ends in disappointment, but their fans will remember a team that fought hard and reached the second round of the tournament. The future remains bright for Iowa, with key players returning next season.