Full Breakdown
Virginia Cavaliers Upset Iowa Hawkeyes in Historic Double Overtime Victory
3/24/2026, 4:51:46 PM
Virginia's Historic Upset
In a stunning turn of events during the second round of the Women’s NCAA Tournament, the 10th-seeded Virginia Cavaliers defeated the No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes 83-75 in double overtime on March 23, 2026. This victory marks a significant milestone as Virginia becomes the first team to advance to the Sweet 16 after starting in the First Four, a feat previously unachieved in the tournament's history.
Game Overview
The match took place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, where Virginia, despite trailing by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter, showcased resilience and determination. Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with 28 points, while Paris Clark contributed 20 points and seven rebounds. The Cavaliers' performance was characterized by their ability to capitalize on Iowa's struggles, particularly in free-throw shooting, where Iowa finished 8-for-16 compared to Virginia's 18-for-23.
Virginia took a 28-23 lead into halftime, but Iowa surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 25-11 to establish a 48-39 advantage. However, Virginia responded with a strong fourth quarter, forcing overtime after tying the game at 57-57. The first overtime saw both teams exchanging leads, but Virginia managed to tie the game again at 65-65, leading to a second overtime.
In the second overtime, Virginia outscored Iowa 18-10, securing their victory and advancing to face the third-seeded TCU in the Sweet 16.
Key Performers
- Virginia Cavaliers:
- Kymora Johnson: 28 points, played all 50 minutes
- Paris Clark: 20 points, 7 rebounds
- Romi Levy: 13 points
- Caitlin Weimar: 12 points
- Iowa Hawkeyes:
- Ava Heiden: 26 points
- Chazadi Wright: 21 points
- Hannah Stuelke: 15 points, 19 rebounds
Official Statements & Responses
Virginia head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton expressed immense pride in her team's performance, stating, “Every player, every staff member, just all the hard work that went into getting us to this point... we just did not get rattled.” She emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament.
Iowa head coach Jan Jensen acknowledged the missed opportunities, particularly in clutch moments, saying, “The things that have hurt us earlier: foul trouble, missed free throws, and bad shooting percentages, it’ll show up.” Jensen noted the need for improvement in late-game execution as the team looks to the future.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Virginia's victory, Iowa's performance drew criticism for their inability to capitalize on key moments. Analysts pointed out that the Hawkeyes, who had been a strong team throughout the season, faltered in crucial situations, particularly in free-throw shooting and final possessions during regulation and overtime.
What's Next
Virginia will advance to the Sweet 16, where they will face TCU on March 28, 2026. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Cavaliers to continue their Cinderella run in the tournament, while Iowa will reflect on their season and seek to improve for the next year.
This historic victory not only highlights Virginia's remarkable journey but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement inherent in March Madness.
