UVA Women’s Basketball Fends Off Arizona State’s Late Rally
Virginia survived a tense First Four matchup in the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers beat Arizona State 57-55 in Iowa City.
Game summary
Virginia led for 37 minutes and 28 seconds. The Hoos shielded a slim lead in a defensive contest.
The Cavaliers went into halftime up 30-22. Arizona State managed just 27.6 percent shooting in the first half.
Virginia forced seven first-half turnovers. The Sun Devils mounted an 11-3 run late to knot the game at 51.
Marley Washenitz hit the tying three with 41 seconds remaining. Kymora Johnson responded with a go-ahead three with 30 seconds left.
Heloisa Carrera converted a layup to cut the gap. Caitlin Weimar sank free throws to restore Virginia’s advantage.
Jyah Lovett scored in the final seconds. Johnson made one of two free throws, and the Virginia defense denied Arizona State a final attempt.
Key contributions
Kymora Johnson paced the Cavaliers. She finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Other impact plays came from Weimar, Carrera, Washenitz and Lovett. Those late exchanges decided the outcome.
Context and reaction
This marked Virginia’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 2018. It is only the program’s second tournament win since 2011.
Virginia improved to 20-11. Arizona State finished the season at 24-11.
ASU coach Molly Miller was briefly sidelined by illness but did travel to Iowa City. Reporters focused on that storyline after the game.
Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton praised her team’s resolve. She highlighted the physical challenge posed by Arizona State.
UVA Women’s Basketball Fends Off Arizona State’s Late Rally and advances out of the First Four. Filmogaz.com covered the matchup.
