Virginia Triumphs Over Georgia in Overtime, Advances in March Madness
Kymora Johnson led the Virginia Cavaliers to an 82-73 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in an NCAA Tournament first-round game. Johnson scored 28 points, while Sa’Myah Smith contributed a career-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. This victory marks the first time a lower seed triumphed in March Madness this season.
Virginia Advances in March Madness
The 10th-seeded Cavaliers improved their season record to 21-11. They are set to face either second-seed Iowa or 15th-seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the next round. Virginia’s coach, Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, praised her team’s resilience, stating, “Once we got to overtime, we knew it was our game.”
Overtime Performance
In a tightly contested match, Virginia outscored Georgia 11-2 in overtime. Johnson recalled the team’s focus during a time of exhaustion, emphasizing the importance of fighting for every opportunity. Smith played a critical role, even after being scoreless in the second half, contributing five points in overtime.
Georgia’s last-minute attempts to secure a win fell short. Trinity Turner’s shot missed with four seconds left, while Mia Woolfolk’s jumper at the buzzer also failed to find the net. Woolfolk was a standout performer for Georgia, scoring 27 points, while teammate Rylie Theuerkauf added 22 points.
Critical Plays
- Virginia led 26-16 in the second quarter before Georgia surged ahead 43-42 at halftime.
- Theuerkauf scored 17 points over the last 9 minutes of the first half.
- Virginia switched to a man-to-man defense in the second half, limiting Georgia’s scoring opportunities.
Injuries and Challenges
Georgia faced additional challenges as Mia Woolfolk was sidelined in overtime due to fatigue from multiple hard falls during the game. Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson noted Woolfolk’s persistence despite ongoing physical challenges throughout the season.
Next Steps for Virginia
The Cavaliers, after winning their previous game against Arizona State, will be tested again in just five days. This crucial match will determine their future in the tournament.
