Virginia Advances in Women’s NCAA Tournament, Defeats Arizona State 57-55

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Kymora Johnson’s clutch 3-pointer with 30.6 seconds remaining propelled the Virginia Cavaliers to a 57-55 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils in the First Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday night. This marks Virginia’s first NCAA Tournament win since 2018.

Key Moments and Performances

Johnson finished the game with 17 points and a remarkable double-double, adding 10 rebounds. Her move-ahead 3-pointer, Virginia’s first successful attempt from beyond the arc in 10 second-half tries, shifted the momentum in a tightly contested game. Johnson sealed the win with a 1-of-2 performance at the free-throw line with 5.3 seconds left, while a subsequent turnover by Arizona State’s Jyah LoVett secured the Cavaliers’ advancement.

Caitlin Weimar contributed 11 points off the bench for Virginia, and Romi Levy added 10.

Arizona State’s Effort

Despite the loss, Marley Washenitz led Arizona State with 19 points, sinking five 3-pointers. McKinna Brackens recorded a double-double of her own with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Heloisa Carrera also scored 10 points for the Sun Devils. Gabby Elliott, Arizona State’s leading scorer during the regular season with an average of 16 points per game, struggled from the field, shooting 3-of-13 and finishing with 11 points.

Looking Ahead

Virginia (20-11), a No. 10 seed, will now face seventh-seeded Georgia in the first round on Saturday. This tournament appearance is Virginia’s first since 2018 and the first under head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. Arizona State, making its first tournament appearance since 2019 under first-year coach Molly Miller, saw its season end with a 24-11 record.