Preview: Virginia Cavaliers at Iowa Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The seventh-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes, riding the hot hand of star forward Ava Heiden, host the 10th-seeded Virginia Cavaliers in a second-round NCAA women’s basketball tournament game Monday night.

Iowa (27-6) advanced with a 58-48 win over Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday, powered by a 29-point performance from Heiden. The sophomore has been a consistent force, averaging over 20 points in her last six games, including a 28-point outing against Illinois on Feb. 26.

Virginia (21-11) arrives after an 82-73 overtime victory at Georgia, a game where forward Sa’Myah Smith posted 23 points and 11 rebounds. Smith’s production has been volatile; she followed a two-point game against Arizona State with her double-double against Georgia. Guard Kymora Johnson added 28 points and seven rebounds in the win.

The Hawkeyes, playing at home at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, boast a potent offense that averages over 75 points per game. Their season, however, includes a stark 96-45 loss at UCLA on March 8, revealing potential vulnerability against high-pressure defenses.

Virginia has shown resilience, with recent wins over Arizona State and Georgia, but has struggled against top competition, losing three of its last five regular-season games. The Cavaliers will need a balanced attack beyond Smith and Johnson to challenge Iowa’s defense.

Heiden’s scoring versatility against Smith’s interior presence will be a key matchup. Iowa’s supporting cast, including Hannah Stuelke, will look to provide consistent support, while Virginia aims to control the tempo and limit Iowa’s transition opportunities.

The winner advances to the Sweet 16. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. EDT Monday.