Iowa scores decisive 3-pointer in final seconds to stun Florida

Timely shooting and a gutsy performance helped the Iowa Hawkeyes defeat the defending NCAA men’s basketball national champions, Florida Gators, on Sunday night, 73-72.

Down two points, Iowa gave the ball to guard Bennett Stirtz, who dribbled down the court and found Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner. Folgueiras took a back dribble to ensure he was above the 3-point line and scored the go-ahead goal with just over four seconds left.

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Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a three-point shot against Florida during the second half of the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Folgueiras pointed to the sky to honor his late father. Florida couldn’t get a last-second shot and Iowa won the game. He was seen hugging his mother in the stands.

“It’s really special,” Folgueiras said after the game. “We went through a lot of moments in the season. I’ve been in a lot of moments in my life. My mom is there after fighting for me her whole life. This is really special. It’s for the dreamers and there are no better dreamers than us.”

ST JOHN’S SENDS KANSAS WITH DRAMATIC LAYUP THAT HITS THE BUZZER IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) and Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) chase a loose ball during the first half of the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Folgueiras scored 14 points and five rebounds in the victory. Iowa star Tavion Banks added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field.

Florida’s Alex Condon led the Gators with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Thomas Haugh added 19 points and Xavian Lee had 17 points.

It will be the first time since 1999 that Iowa will be able to compete in the Sweet 16. That year, JR Koch and the Hawkeyes lost to the UConn Huskies led by Rip Hamilton.

Florida forward Alex Condon (21) reacts after the team lost to Iowa during the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

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Florida is the first No. 1 seed in the men’s tournament to fall.

The Gators will no longer be in the race to repeat champions. It means the Dan Hurley-led UConn team remains the only back-to-back champion since Florida started its own dynasty in 2006 and 2007.

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