Iowa defeated top-seeded Florida 73-72 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, advancing to the Sweet 16. Forward Alvaro Folgueiras made a game-winning 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds remaining, resulting in the elimination of the defending national champion Gators. This marks Iowa's first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999 and the second time the program has eliminated a No. 1 seed since the tournament began seeding teams in 1979.
Game Overview and Tournament Implications
The No. 9 seed Hawkeyes secured their 23rd win of the season (23-12) against Florida (27-8). Florida became the first No. 1 seed to be eliminated from this year's March Madness. Iowa is scheduled to play No. 4 seed Nebraska in the South Region semifinals on Thursday night in Houston.
Key Game Moments
Iowa maintained a lead for 66% of the game, including an advantage of up to 12 points in the second half. Florida subsequently overcame this deficit.
In the closing minutes, Florida's Xaivian Lee made a driving layup, giving the Gators a 71-68 lead. Iowa's Bennett Stirtz responded with a floater, reducing Florida's lead to 71-70 with 57 seconds remaining.
Following a missed 3-pointer by Thomas Haugh for Florida, Stirtz missed a running layup for Iowa. Isaiah Brown secured the rebound for Florida and then made one of two free throws, extending Florida's lead to 72-70 with 8.9 seconds left.
Iowa then broke Florida's full-court press, allowing Folgueiras to take an open 3-pointer. The play was designed for Stirtz, who passed the ball to Folgueiras. Florida did not manage to attempt a shot before the buzzer sounded.
Individual Player Contributions
Iowa
Alvaro Folgueiras contributed 14 points and five rebounds, including the decisive 3-pointer. Tavion Banks led Iowa with 20 points, while Bennett Stirtz finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Cooper Kock added 12 points, including four 3-pointers.
Florida
For Florida, Alex Condon led with 21 points. Thomas Haugh scored 19 points, and Xaivian Lee contributed 17 points.
Team and Coaching Context
Iowa, coached by first-year coach Ben McCollum, advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 25 years. Florida coach Todd Golden commented on Iowa's performance, noting their effective play in the first half and the execution of the final play. During the first half, a technical foul was issued to Florida's Alex Condon and Iowa's Alvaro Folgueiras following a scuffle for a loose ball.
Player Spotlight: Alvaro Folgueiras
Folgueiras, who entered the game from the bench, stated that his team had belief in themselves. Coach McCollum noted Folgueiras's confidence during the game.
Folgueiras dedicated his performance to his mother, Beatriz Campos, who sent him to the United States from Malaga, Spain, at age 16 to pursue basketball after his father died when he was nine years old. His mother attended the game, marking her first time watching him play a college game in person in two years and their first reunion since August. She expressed pride in his achievement.