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Virginia Cavaliers Make History, Reach Sweet 16 as First First Four Team
Kymora Johnson leads Cavaliers' double-overtime upset of No. 2 seed Iowa
Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:05am
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The 2026 women's NCAA tournament has seen its share of surprises, with No. 10 seed Virginia becoming the first team to play in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16. The Cavaliers pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far, defeating No. 2 seed Iowa in double overtime. Kymora Johnson has been the star of the tournament for Virginia, scoring 28 points in each of the Cavaliers' last two games, including the game-winning shot against Arizona State in the First Four.
Why it matters
Virginia's historic run as the first First Four team to reach the Sweet 16 is a testament to the parity and unpredictability of this year's women's NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers' upset of Iowa also highlights the depth of talent across the field, with lower-seeded teams like Notre Dame and Kentucky also advancing to the regional semifinals.
The details
In three separate games, Virginia has defeated Arizona State, Georgia, and No. 2 seed Iowa to reach the Sweet 16. Kymora Johnson has been the driving force for the Cavaliers, scoring 28 points in each of the last two games, including the game-winning shot against Arizona State in the First Four. The Cavaliers' double-overtime victory over Iowa was the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
- Virginia defeated Arizona State 57-55 in the First Four on March 15.
- Virginia defeated Georgia 82-73 in overtime in the first round on March 17.
- Virginia defeated No. 2 seed Iowa 83-75 in double overtime in the round of 32 on March 20.
The players
Kymora Johnson
A standout player for the Virginia Cavaliers, Kymora Johnson has been the driving force behind the team's historic run to the Sweet 16 as the first First Four team to advance that far. She has scored 28 points in each of the Cavaliers' last two games, including the game-winning shot against Arizona State in the First Four.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Virginia Cavaliers are the first team to play in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA tournament. They pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far by defeating No. 2 seed Iowa in double overtime.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
Virginia's historic run as the first First Four team to reach the Sweet 16 is a testament to the parity and unpredictability of this year's women's NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers' upset of Iowa highlights the depth of talent across the field, with lower-seeded teams proving they can compete with the top programs.
