Virginia Outlasts Georgia in OT Thriller!

Virginia Edges Georgia in Overtime Classic

Iowa City, Iowa – In a nail-biting NCAA Tournament first-round game, the 10th-seeded Virginia Cavaliers outlasted the 7th-seeded Georgia Lady Bulldogs in a dramatic overtime contest, winning 71-71 in regulation and ultimately advancing to the second round.

Cavaliers Show Grit in Overtime Victory

The game, played in front of an energetic crowd in Iowa City, was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish. Both teams showcased star power and an intense will to win. Virginia, wearing blue, and Georgia, in white, traded blows throughout the contest, with neither team able to pull away for long.

Georgia struck first with a three-pointer from Katie Abramson Henderson, whose mother, Coach Abe, has shown immense respect for her daughter’s resilience after three knee injuries. Virginia responded with strong play from Somaya Smith, who started the game an impressive five for five from the field. Kamora Johnson, fresh off a double-double in the previous game, also found her rhythm, burying an elbow jumper early on.

The first quarter saw impressive scoring from both sides. Somaya Smith was a force in the post for Virginia, while Georgia’s offense flowed through players like Danny Carnegie and Kamora Johnson. Johnson hit a crucial three-pointer, bringing her closer to an all-time record, and showcased her scoring ability with a quick trigger from the right wing.

Georgia Fights Back, Takes Halftime Lead

As the first half progressed, Georgia found its footing. Riley Turkov, nicknamed ‘Red Mamba,’ was a standout for the Bulldogs, hitting multiple three-pointers and demonstrating a high-finesse game in the paint. Turkov finished the first half with 20 points, including a deep three that gave Georgia the lead heading into halftime. Gabby White added a buzzer-beating three at the horn, capping a run that saw Georgia erase a 10-point deficit and take a slim one-point lead into the break.

Second Half Sees Intense Swings

The second half continued the dramatic trend. Both teams battled through foul trouble, with key players like Caitlyn Wymer for Virginia and Turkov for Georgia facing challenges. Kamora Johnson continued to be a primary offensive threat for the Cavaliers, hitting big shots to keep them in contention. Despite Virginia struggling offensively at times, second-chance points and clutch plays kept them alive.

The momentum swung wildly. Kamora Johnson hit a step-back triple to tie the game, and later, a go-ahead bucket that seemed to shift the tide in Virginia’s favor. The Cavaliers went on a 6-0 run, but Georgia, led by Turkov and Carnegie, fought back.

Overtime Needed to Decide Winner

With the game tied at 71 at the end of regulation, overtime was necessary. Somaya Smith scored the first points of the extra period for Virginia, regaining the lead. Paris Clark extended the advantage for the Cavaliers, creating their largest lead since the first half.

However, Georgia continued to fight, even with players in foul trouble. Romy Levy, who had been hot throughout the tournament, hit a game-tying three-pointer off the window, making it 71-71. The teams traded possessions, and a crucial offensive foul call on Virginia’s Maya first sent Kamora Johnson to the line with a chance to win the game.

Virginia Advances, Continues Magical Run

Johnson made her free throws, securing the victory for the Virginia Cavaliers. This win marks Virginia’s first trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament since 2018. The Cavaliers, a somewhat surprising 10 seed, defied expectations, becoming one of the few First Four teams to win their second-round game. Their magical season continues as they look ahead to their next opponent.

For Georgia, it was a tough end to a successful season. The Lady Bulldogs, who finished with 22 wins, gained valuable experience and will look to build on this year’s performance with their returning young talent.

Source: Round of 64: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Georgia Lady Bulldogs | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)