2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: Live Updates

Virginia pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 2 Iowa 83-75 in double overtime. The No. 10 Cavaliers advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000.

How the game unfolded

Virginia led by seven in the first half and held a 28-23 edge at intermission. Iowa dominated the third quarter, outscoring Virginia 25-11 and taking a nine-point lead into the fourth.

The Cavaliers rallied in the fourth, scoring 19 points to Iowa’s eight. Virginia tied the game at 57 with just over two minutes remaining to force overtime.

The first extra period featured multiple lead changes. Kymora Johnson’s seven-foot floater knotted the score late. A potential game-winning 3 from Taylor Stremlow rimmed out, sending the contest to a second overtime.

Virginia seized control in the second overtime. Paris Clark converted an and-one to give the Cavaliers the lead. Johnson then went 2-for-3 from the line on a three-point foul, and Virginia pulled away for the final margin.

Earlier wins on the path

The Cavaliers reached this round after a narrow First Four victory over Arizona State. They then defeated No. 7 Georgia in overtime in the first round.

Virginia became the first team in women’s tournament history to move from the First Four to the Sweet 16.

Stat leaders

• Kymora Johnson — 28 points, 4 assists. She played the entire game.
• Paris Clark — 20 points, including a pivotal and-one in the second overtime.
• Romi Levy — 13 points.
• Caitlin Weimar — 12 points off the bench.
• Ava Heiden (Iowa) — 26 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
• Chazadi Wright (Iowa) — 21 points.
• Hannah Stuelke (Iowa) — 15 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists.

Historic and bracket implications

The Cavaliers are the lone double-digit seed to win a first-round game and advance to the Sweet 16 this year. Only 2.19 percent of entries in the Women’s Bracket Challenge Game had Virginia reaching this stage.

With this result, just seven perfect brackets remain across major pools. Five exist on ESPN, with one each in the Women’s Bracket Challenge Game and on Yahoo.

Coverage note

Filmogaz.com covered the game as part of our 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: Live Updates. We will continue tracking Virginia’s next matchup in the regional round.