TAMPA, FL – In a moment that will be replayed on March Madness highlight reels for years to approach, Iowa Hawkeyes guard Álvaro Folgueiras drained a three-pointer with just 4.5 seconds remaining to stun the defending national champion Florida Gators, 73-72, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The ninth-seeded Hawkeyes delivered a seismic upset, sending the top-seeded Gators home and securing their first Sweet Sixteen berth since 2015. The improbable victory, played before a heavily pro-Florida crowd at the Benchmark International Arena – home of the Tampa Bay Lightning – underscores the unpredictable magic that defines the tournament.
The game wasn’t without its drama before the final seconds. Iowa, under the direction of first-year head coach Ben McCollum, built a 12-point lead in the second half, only to watch Florida claw their way back into contention. The Gators, coming off a dominant 59-point win against Prairie View A&M on Friday, appeared momentarily rattled by the Hawkeyes’ relentless pressure. Florida’s loss marks the first time a No. 1 seed has been eliminated in the 2026 tournament, shaking up the bracket and opening up possibilities for a wide-open championship run.
A Final Sequence for the Ages
With eight seconds left on the clock and Florida clinging to a 72-70 lead, the Hawkeyes executed a flawless play. Iowa broke through Florida’s full-court press, finding Folgueiras open in the corner. He didn’t hesitate, launching a shot that silenced the pro-Florida crowd and sent the Iowa bench into a frenzy. Florida had one last chance, but Xaivian Lee’s drive to the basket ended with a pass that Thomas Haugh couldn’t secure before the buzzer sounded. The final play is captured in a dramatic video available here.
Early Tension and Technical Fouls
The game wasn’t solely defined by the dramatic finish. A physical contest from the start, the first half saw a brief scuffle erupt midway through, with Iowa leading 19-13. Iowa’s Álvaro Folgueiras and Florida’s Alex Condon became entangled while battling for a loose ball. Folgueiras swung his arm, though without making contact, leading to a stoppage in play and both players being assessed technical fouls. Florida coach Todd Golden quickly intervened to help de-escalate the situation, rushing onto the court to speak with officials and his players.
McCollum’s Impact in His First Tournament Run
This Sweet Sixteen appearance is a significant milestone for Ben McCollum, who is in his first season leading the Iowa Hawkeyes. McCollum, previously the highly successful coach at Northwest Missouri State, has quickly instilled a competitive spirit in the program. His ability to preserve his team composed under pressure, particularly against a national powerhouse like Florida, speaks volumes about his coaching acumen. Iowa’s record now stands at 23-12, a testament to the program’s resurgence under McCollum’s guidance.
What’s Next for Iowa and Florida?
Iowa’s improbable run continues as they advance to the South Region semi-finals in Houston on Thursday night, where they will face the fourth-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Hawkeyes will need to maintain their composure and continue to execute their game plan effectively if they hope to reach the Elite Eight. For Florida, the loss brings a disappointing end to a season that began with championship aspirations. The Gators finished the season with a 27-8 record, falling short of repeating their 2025 national title. The team will now turn its attention to the offseason, looking to rebuild and reload for another run next year.
The upset serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the power of a well-timed shot. Iowa’s victory isn’t just a win for the program; it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of a team that refused to back down, even when facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The Hawkeyes’ journey through the NCAA Tournament is far from over, and fans across the country will be watching to see if they can continue to defy expectations.
Fans can find the latest updates and bracket information on the official NCAA March Madness website.
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