CHARLOTTESVILLE – Monica Wright hit the game-winning shot with less than three seconds left in the second overtime period to lift Virginia over Georgia Tech, 103-101, Sunday afternoon at John Paul Jones Arena. Wright finished with a career-high 28 points, while Lyndra Littles also set a new career-high with 31 points to lead UVa.
Virginia (22-8, 10-4 ACC) was forced to play catch-up almost the entire game, as they fell into a 15-point hole at halftime, 50-35. After battling back most of the second half, Virginia took its first lead, 80-78, on a 3-pointer by Britnee Millner with 1:17 left. The teams traded baskets, but Georgia Tech was able to tie the game at 82-82 on a jumpshot by Janie Mitchell with 17 seconds left. Wright had an open look to win the game in regulation, but her baseline fadeaway jumpshot hit the front iron.
In the first overtime, Virginia found itself down, 93-91, with the ball in its possession with less than 10 seconds left. Littles was fouled by Alex Montgomery and hit both free throws to force the second overtime.
The game was tied, 101-101, with less than seven seconds left in the second overtime and Virginia had possession on the sideline. Wright received the ball on the block, backed her defender down and finished the layup to give UVa the victory.
Littles had a double-double with 12 rebounds in addition to her 31 points. Aisha Mohammed was also in double-figures with 13 points.
It was Senior Day at John Paul Jones Arena and point guard Sharneé Zoll finished with 11 assists, eight points and three steals. Zoll, along with fellow classmate Tara McKnight, was honored prior to the game.
It was the Cavaliers’ biggest comeback of the year, as they were down 16 at one point in the second half. UVa had not played a double-overtime game since January 28, 2001 (a 76-73 victory over Wake Forest in University Hall).
Georgia Tech was led by Mitchell (26 points) and Chioma Nnamaka (24 points).
The Cavaliers have locked up a first-round bye in next week’s ACC Tournament and are seeded fourth. Virginia will play at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Greensboro Coliseum, against the winner of the No. 5 Georgia Tech vs. No. 12 Miami game.