Virginia Upsets Iowa in Historic Women’s NCAA Tournament Round 2
The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of electrifying. Unexpected upsets and thrilling performances have captured the hearts of basketball fans across the nation.
One of the most remarkable stories this year is the Virginia women’s basketball team’s historic journey to the Sweet 16. Let’s take a look at their run, along with other standout moments and outcomes from the second round.
Virginia’s Historic Upset
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The Virginia Cavaliers, ranked No. 10, made history as the first First Four team to reach the Sweet 16. They pulled off a stunning double-overtime win against No. 2 Iowa in Iowa City, showing off their resilience and sheer determination.
Virginia had already played three games in five days. Somehow, they found the stamina to outlast Iowa in a nail-biter that ended 83-75.
Kymora Johnson’s Stellar Performance
Kymora Johnson was the clear standout for Virginia. She scored 14 of her 28 points during the overtime periods, adding four assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
Her leadership and confidence really shined. After the game, she said, *We’re still dancing. It’s so sweet,* and honestly, that sums up the team’s spirit perfectly.
ACC Teams Shine
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) had a big second round, sending five teams to the Sweet 16. That ties the conference’s record from 2015.
Virginia’s upset and Notre Dame’s win over Ohio State were the biggest highlights for the ACC so far.
Notre Dame’s Consistent Performance
Notre Dame, led by coach Niele Ivey, secured their fifth straight Sweet 16 appearance by beating Ohio State 83-73. Hannah Hidalgo starred in that game, nearly grabbing a triple-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight steals.
Hidalgo’s play has been a cornerstone for Notre Dame this season. She’s just relentless out there.
Other Notable Performances
Virginia and Notre Dame weren’t the only ACC teams to advance. North Carolina, Louisville, and Duke also punched their tickets to the Sweet 16.
North Carolina took down Maryland, Louisville beat Alabama, and Duke rolled past Baylor. The conference has some real depth this year.
North Carolina’s Preparedness
North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart credited the ACC’s tough competition for preparing her team. She said the conference gets them ready for the physical and strategic challenges of the tournament.
The Tar Heels’ win over a strong Maryland squad really showed their grit and readiness.
Upsets and Close Calls
The second round was packed with upsets and tight finishes. One of the wildest moments came from Minnesota’s buzzer-beater win over Ole Miss.
The Golden Gophers, led by Amaya Battle, erased an eight-point deficit in the final quarter to win 65-63. That ending was pure chaos—in the best way.
Amaya Battle’s Clutch Performance
Amaya Battle hit the game-winner as time expired, capping off a huge night. She finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Her clutch shot ended Minnesota’s 21-year Sweet 16 drought. You could feel the relief and excitement from the whole team.
Heartbreak and Lessons Learned
Of course, the tournament also brought its share of heartbreak. Iowa’s senior Hannah Stuelke had a monster game—15 points, 19 rebounds, and six assists—but still saw her team fall short in the second round.
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Iowa out-rebounded Virginia and took 21 more shots, but they just couldn’t convert. Missed free throws and inefficiency hurt them when it mattered most.
Hannah Stuelke’s Reflection
Stuelke’s emotional reaction after the loss was tough to watch. She talked about learning from the experience and coming back stronger next time.
That’s the kind of resilience you want to see in athletes, even in defeat.
Challenges for the Remaining Teams
As the tournament rolls on, the challenges only get tougher. West Virginia, despite playing at home in front of record crowds, dropped a close one to Kentucky.
The Mountaineers’ Sweet 16 drought continues. It’s now 12 straight Round-of-32 exits for them—hard to believe, honestly.
Kentucky’s Dominance
Kentucky’s length and defense made the difference against West Virginia. Teonni Key and Clara Strack both posted double-doubles, showing just how deep and versatile this Wildcats squad is.
They’re setting up for a pretty intriguing Sweet 16 matchup. Can’t wait to see how that plays out.
Conclusion
The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament has already given fans some unforgettable moments. Virginia’s historic run stands out, along with the ACC’s strong showing.
Players like Kymora Johnson and Hannah Hidalgo have delivered some wild individual performances. If you’re craving a deeper dive into the second round, check out the full article on USA Today.