In a thrilling ACC women’s basketball matchup, Wake Forest’s Milan Brown nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime against Virginia, but the Cavaliers ultimately prevailed 109-103 in triple overtime on January 29, 2026. The game, played at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, showcased high drama and standout performances from both teams.
Virginia established control early, shooting over 66 percent in the second quarter to build a 40-25 halftime lead. The Cavaliers extended their advantage to 18 points in the third quarter, but Wake Forest responded with an 8-0 run to narrow the gap to 10 points entering the final period. In the fourth quarter, the Demon Deacons mounted a fierce comeback, cutting the deficit to one point with under two minutes remaining after a 15-6 scoring surge.
With 44 seconds left, Virginia’s Caitlin Weimar made two free throws to put her team up 76-73. On the ensuing possession, Milan Brown received the ball and launched a three-pointer as time expired, swishing the shot to tie the game and force overtime, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This clutch moment highlighted Brown’s composure under pressure and kept Wake Forest’s hopes alive in a contest that had seemed all but lost.
The first overtime period saw Virginia lead by five points, but Wake Forest’s Grace Oliver was fouled on a three-point attempt with 13 seconds remaining and calmly sank all three free throws to force a second overtime. In the second extra period, Virginia found itself trailing late before Weimar hit a crucial shot to tie the score at 84-84, pushing the game to a third overtime. The back-and-forth nature of the overtimes underscored the resilience of both squads.
Virginia dominated the third overtime, outscoring Wake Forest 14-8 to secure the victory. Key plays included Kymora Johnson finding Romi Levy for a three-point play that gave the Cavaliers a six-point lead, and Johnson sealing the win by making four free throws in the closing seconds. Johnson finished with 26 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Weimar and Gabby White combined for 47 points off the bench, showcasing Virginia’s depth.
Milan Brown led Wake Forest with a career-high 30 points, along with 11 rebounds and five assists, in a losing effort. Grace Oliver added 19 points for the Demon Deacons. Brown’s buzzer-beater was a highlight in a game that featured the most combined points in any ACC contest this season, with both teams displaying offensive firepower and tenacity.
Virginia head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton praised her team’s resiliency, emphasizing the challenges of competing in the ACC. With the win, Virginia improved to 15-6 overall and 7-3 in conference play, while Wake Forest fell to 12-10 and 2-8. The victory marked Virginia’s first win in at least three overtimes since 2011 and demonstrated their ability to perform in clutch situations.
Looking ahead, Virginia is scheduled to travel to face Virginia Tech on February 1, while Wake Forest will seek to regroup in their next ACC outing. This game exemplifies the excitement and unpredictability of women’s college basketball, with moments like Brown’s shot reminding fans of the sport’s enduring appeal.
