Cal women upset by Virginia in NCAA tournament opener

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Virginia won its first women’s NCAA tournament game in nine years. It’s likely reward? Facing the most famous Cavalier player in program history in South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

Staley, a Hall of Famer, led Virginia to three Final Fours and a championship game appearance, her grit and toughness powering the Cavaliers from 1989-92. These Cavs showed some Staley-like determination in holding off No. 7 seed Cal, 68-62, to start the Albany region games on Friday.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Virginia center Felicia Aiyeotan, who led the team with 16 points.

The Cavaliers (19-13) took flight after squandering a seven-point lead in the final seven minutes. Dominique Toussaint hit a 3-pointer from the left side of the circle to snap a 57-all game with 1:08 to go. Aiyeton had another uncontested basket and Jocelyn Willoughby made six foul shots down the stretch to seal Virginia’s first NCAA win since topping Marist in a first-round game in 2009.

Cal (21-11) had a streak of seven consecutive first-round NCAA wins entering the game, but played without leading scorer and rebounder Kristine Anigwe, who was medically ruled out after missing a morning shootaround. The team would not detail what was wrong with the 6-foot-4 junior.

Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb said she could not elaborate on Anigwe’s condition, only that it was more important to protect a young players’ health than try and rush her back to the court if she was not cleared.

No doubt Anigwe’s absence gave Virginia and especially the 6-9 Aiyeotan room to move down low. Aiyeotan was 5-of-5 in the final two quarters as Virginia moved in front.

Gottlieb knew her team would miss Anigwe - and knew they’d find a way to rally without her.

“It’s what we do,” she said.

Despite missing Anigwe, Cal appeared ready to take control as they scored the first two baskets of the third quarter to move in front 35-30. That’s when Virginia went on a 20-8 run to lead 50-43.

Cal was not done, though, as Asha Thomas and Kianna Smith combined to score 12 points in a row in the fourth quarter. Thomas’ foul shot tied things at 57-all with 1:53 to play.

On Virginia’s next time down court, Toussaint struck from the left side of the arc for her go-ahead shot. Smith cut things to one with her basket moments later before Aiyeotan was alone once more for an uncontested basket to restore the Cavaliers’ margin.

Cal could not respond.

For Cal, it was the latest disappointing postseason showing.

The Golden Bears have only been past the second round one time in coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s six tournament appearances, when they reached the Final Four in 2013.

Jocelyn Willoughby had 13 points and Aliyah Huland El 12 for Virginia.

Smith led Cal with 20 points while Thomas added 17.