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Kymora Johnson celebrates with arms raised after Virginia Cavaliers upset Iowa in double overtime during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

Virginia Stuns Iowa in Double OT, Creates Women’s NCAA Sweet 16 History

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MARCUS TURNER

SPORTS24 MAR, 2026

Kymora Johnson scored 28 points to help 10th-seeded Virginia make history as the first First Four team to reach the Women’s NCAA Sweet 16 regional semifinals, defeating No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime on Monday in a women's NCAA tournament second-round game.

No. 2 seed Iowa's Women's NCAA Tournament run came to an end at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, as Virginia defeated them 83-75 in double overtime.

The Cavaliers (22-11) won three games in five days, upsetting Arizona State in the First Four, Georgia in the first round, and finally the Hawkeyes (27-7), who played in front of a sellout home crowd of 14,332.

Kymora Johnson reacts intensely during overtime as Virginia battles Iowa in NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16 upset game

It is the first time Virginia has moved to the tournament's second weekend since 2000, making history in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. It is also the first time a team from the First Four has advanced to the Sweet 16.

Virginia led 28-23 at halftime, capitalizing on Iowa's dismal three-point shooting. In the half, the Hawkeyes shot 10-of-32 from the field, but only 1-of-12 from three.

Iowa answered in the second half, with Ava Heiden giving the Hawkeyes a 48-39 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

Virginia outscored Iowa 18-9 in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime. With the game deadlocked late, Johnson scored a 3-pointer to tie it at 57, but Iowa missed its final jumper in regulation.

In overtime, the game remained close, with Iowa momentarily taking the lead. Johnson hit a game-tying jumper with 13 seconds remaining to send the game into double overtime.

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We were just so resilient in this game. No matter what they threw at us, we just did not get rattled. We're a confident team, and I think we believe in all the work that we've put in.

Virginia defeated Iowa 18-10 in double overtime, securing the victory as their advantage never wavered in the closing minutes.

Virginia Becomes First First Four Team to Reach Sweet 16 in Women’s NCAA Tournament

Kymora Johnson poured in 28 points, including 14 in the two overtimes, as 10th-seeded Virginia stunned No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime. The Cavaliers became the first team ever to advance from the First Four to the Sweet 16 in the women's NCAA Tournament.

Virginia trailed by nine in the fourth quarter but rallied to force overtime, then took control in double OT. Iowa was led by Ava Heiden with 26 points, while Hannah Stuelke posted 15 points and 19 rebounds.

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