Cavaliers Shock No. 2 Iowa, Advance to Sweet Sixteen
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Virginia Cavaliers are heading to the Sweet Sixteen after an improbable run through the NCAA Tournament. Led by 28 points from Kymora Johnson, the 10th-seeded Cavaliers defeated the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes 83-75 in double overtime Monday at March Madness.
Cinderella Run Continues
Virginia (22-11) has now won three games in five days, beginning with a First Four victory over Arizona State 57-55 last Thursday. They followed that up with an 82-73 overtime win against Georgia in the first round on Saturday before pulling off the upset against the Hawkeyes in front of a hostile crowd in Iowa City.
Historic Achievement
This marks the first time Virginia has reached the Sweet Sixteen since 2000. The Cavaliers are similarly the first 10-seed to advance this far in the tournament since Creighton in 2022. Notably, Creighton also defeated Iowa in the second round that year to continue their tournament journey.
Johnson Leads the Way
Kymora Johnson has been instrumental in Virginia’s success. Throughout her three seasons at Virginia, Johnson has been described as the heartbeat behind the Cavaliers’ resurgence
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Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers will next face the third-seeded TCU Horned Frogs in the Sweet Sixteen.
Coach Agugua-Hamilton on the Team’s Success
“[Johnson’s] the hometown hero … but in her mind it’s never about her,”
Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton
Iowa’s Performance
The Hawkeyes, under second-year coach Jan Jensen, finished the season with a 15-3 record in the Considerable Ten and were the runner-up in the conference tournament. However, they couldn’t overcome the determined Cavaliers on their home court.
FAQ
- When was the last time Virginia reached the Sweet Sixteen? 2000.
- Who led the Cavaliers in scoring against Iowa? Kymora Johnson with 28 points.
- Who will the Cavaliers play next? The third-seeded TCU Horned Frogs.
The Cavaliers’ improbable run continues, fueled by the brilliance of Kymora Johnson and a team that refuses to be underestimated. Their journey to the Sweet Sixteen is a testament to their resilience and determination.