Virginia Shocks Iowa in Double OT Thriller!

Virginia Shocks Iowa in Double OT Thriller!

In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Virginia Cavaliers pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in a nail-biting double-overtime thriller. The Cavaliers punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000, capping off a remarkable season.

Hawkeyes Start Strong, Cavaliers Fight Back

The game kicked off with Iowa showing why they were a top seed. Cameron Inway got things started, drawing contact and scoring inside. Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Hawkeyes, quickly found her rhythm, knocking down an open three-pointer to get the crowd buzzing. Virginia, on the other hand, struggled to find the basket early, missing their first three shots from the floor. Their initial points came from the free-throw line, showing the defensive pressure Iowa was applying.

Despite the slow start, Virginia battled back. Hannah Stohlke made crucial plays, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring. The first quarter ended in a deadlock at 13-13, with a last-second layup by Levy tying the game and setting the stage for an intense contest. Iowa’s strategy included a zone defense, which initially gave Kamora Johnson of Virginia some trouble. However, Virginia adapted, with players like Caitlyn Wymer stepping up big off the bench, going 4-for-4 from the floor.

A Battle of Runs and Key Performances

The second quarter saw back-and-forth action. Iowa’s Journey Houston added points with put-back baskets, while Virginia’s Johnson and Wymer kept pace. The Hawkeyes’ defense, particularly their interior defense, was strong. Clark hit her second triple of the game, but overall, Iowa’s three-point shooting was limited early on. On the other side, Virginia’s Johnson showed her scoring ability with deep threes.

As the game progressed, both teams traded blows. Stohlke continued her strong performance, and Strello hit a three to tie the game at 30. Clark, a key player for Iowa, contributed offensively. The first half ended with the score tied at 30, highlighting how evenly matched these two teams were. Iowa managed to build a lead, going on a 6-0 run at one point. Somaya Smith hit a deep three to extend Iowa’s advantage. However, Virginia kept fighting, and the first half concluded with Iowa holding a narrow lead.

Overtime Drama Unfolds

The second half was a tense affair. Both teams battled for every possession. Paris Clark emerged as a significant threat for Virginia, hitting back-to-back threes and showing impressive hustle against Iowa’s taller defenders. Her ability to handle different defensive coverages was a key factor for the Cavaliers. Clark’s fadeaway jumper was on point, and she was clearly in rhythm.

With the game on the line, Kamora Johnson hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the score at 57-57, forcing overtime. This set the stage for an epic conclusion. In the first overtime, both teams continued to exchange baskets. Iowa’s Stohlke scored, and Levy hit a three, but Virginia’s Johnson responded with a drive and score to tie it up again at 65. With no timeouts left for Iowa, the pressure was immense.

Virginia Secures Sweet 16 Berth

The second overtime was just as dramatic. This marked the ninth multi-overtime game of the NCAA tournament. Both teams were exhausted but determined. Stohlke scored again, and Drumlo tied it at 67. Clark, who was huge in regulation for Virginia, made a crucial play, getting to the right place at the right time for a rebound and score. Johnson then drove through contact, banking in a shot to tie the game once more.

Ultimately, it was Virginia’s resilience that won the day. The Cavaliers, who trailed by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter, showed incredible grit to force overtime and then secure the victory. This win marks a historic moment for the Virginia women’s basketball program, sending them to the Sweet 16 for the first time in over two decades. Iowa’s impressive season, finishing with 27 wins and second place in the Big Ten, comes to a close, but this game will be remembered for Virginia’s stunning upset and their triumphant march to the next round.

“Virginia’s moment. First four to Sweet 16. Party like it’s Y2K.”

Source: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)