Virginia Becomes First Four Team to Reach Sweet Sixteen After Double-Overtime Win Over Iowa

Virginia made NCAA Tournament history on Monday, March 23, 2026, becoming the first team ever to advance from the First Four to the regional semifinals after defeating No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime.

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The 10th-seeded Cavaliers' remarkable achievement represents a new milestone in March Madness lore, as they overcame a significant seeding deficit to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

ESPN

This victory solidifies Virginia's place in tournament history books as the ultimate Cinderella story, demonstrating how lower-seeded teams can achieve extraordinary success through determination and skill against higher-ranked opponents.

The game's intensity was evident throughout the double-overtime contest, with Virginia's star player Kymora Johnson delivering a standout performance by scoring 28 points.

Johnson's offensive prowess was crucial in keeping Virginia competitive against Iowa's formidable defense, as the Cavaliers fought through regulation and both extra periods.

ESPN

The physical nature of the matchup was highlighted by tense moments like when Virginia guard Paris Clark battled for a loose ball with Iowa guard Chazadi Wright during the first half, showcasing the determination required for such a significant tournament victory.

Virginia's journey to the Sweet Sixteen was particularly remarkable given they had to win three games in just five days to achieve this historic feat.

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ESPN

After entering the tournament through the First Four with a 57-55 victory over Arizona State on Thursday, the Cavaliers defeated Georgia 82-73 in overtime the following day before their dramatic double-overtime triumph over Iowa.

This compressed schedule made Virginia's achievement even more impressive, as they maintained their physical and mental stamina throughout the grueling tournament stretch while overcoming increasingly difficult opponents.

The significance of Virginia's victory was amplified by the fact that it came against a highly-regarded Iowa squad that was playing in front of a sellout home crowd of 14,332 fans.

The Hawkeyes entered the game as a No. 2 seed with a 27-7 record, making their defeat even more noteworthy.

The Daily Progress

Iowa head coach Jan Jensen's visible reactions during the first half demonstrated the emotional weight of the contest, as her team faced the possibility of an early tournament exit against the determined Cavaliers.

This matchup highlighted the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where even heavily-favored teams can fall to underdogs playing with exceptional focus and resilience.