CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — The Virginia women’s basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with a commanding 86-36 victory over Morgan State on Tuesday night at John Paul Jones Arena, overwhelming the Bears with a dominant first-half performance in front of 3,597 fans.

The Cavaliers seized control immediately, outscoring the Bears 27-8 in the opening quarter and extending their lead to 53-17 by halftime. Virginia’s stifling defense and efficient offense left little opportunity for a Morgan State response, as the Bears struggled to find any offensive rhythm throughout the contest.

Kymora Johnson led all scorers with 24 points for Virginia, adding six rebounds and five assists in just 25 minutes of action. Paris Clark provided a strong supporting performance with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Romi Levy controlled the glass with 11 rebounds to go with eight points and four assists.

Defensively, Virginia was formidable, recording 12 blocks and 12 steals. Tabitha Amanze anchored the paint with five of those blocks, also contributing eight points and eight rebounds. The Cavaliers forced Morgan State into 20 turnovers, converting them into 22 points.

Morgan State, which fell to 0-1, was led by Kailyn Nash, who posted eight points and eight rebounds. Gabrielle Johnson added a team-high nine points for the Bears, who shot just 21.4 percent from the floor, making only 12 of their 56 field goal attempts. The Bears’ offensive rating of 48.8 on 74 possessions underscored their struggles against Virginia’s defensive pressure.

Virginia’s offensive execution was far superior, as the team shot 45.7 percent from the field and posted an offensive rating of 119.3. The Cavaliers also dominated inside, outscoring Morgan State 46-12 in the paint and securing 22 offensive rebounds.

The game’s outcome was never in doubt after the initial period, with Virginia methodically extending its lead through the second and third quarters before both teams emptied their benches in the fourth. The victory improved Virginia’s record to 1-0 to start the season.

Virginia next hosts Bucknell on Sunday. Morgan State returns home to face Stetson on Sunday as it continues its non-conference schedule.