The improbable is now reality for the Iowa Hawkeyes. In a stunning upset that reverberated through the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, the ninth-seeded Hawkeyes eliminated defending national champion Florida, 73-72, securing their place in the Sweet 16. The victory, fueled by a clutch three-pointer from Álvaro Folgueiras with just 4.5 seconds remaining, marks Iowa’s first appearance in the tournament’s second weekend since 2015 and delivered the first major shock of this year’s March Madness, knocking off a No. 1 seed.
The game, played in Omaha, Nebraska, was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the resilience of both teams. Florida, seeking to become the first program to win consecutive national titles since Florida in 2006 and 2007, appeared to be in control for much of the second half, building a lead as large as 12 points. However, Iowa, under the guidance of first-year head coach Ben McCollum, refused to yield. The Hawkeyes’ ability to withstand Florida’s pressure and execute in the final moments proved to be the difference.
The dramatic finish unfolded after Xaivian Lee gave Florida a 71-68 lead with under two minutes to play. Bennett Stirtz responded with a crucial floater, cutting the deficit to one. Following a missed three-pointer from Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Stirtz’s layup attempt was off the mark, but Isaiah Brown secured the rebound and converted a free throw, tying the game at 71. That set the stage for Folgueiras’ heroics. Iowa broke through Florida’s full-court press, finding Folgueiras open in the corner for the game-winning shot. A last-ditch effort by Florida ended with a turnover as Lee’s pass to Haugh was mishandled as time expired.
This upset wasn’t just about a single shot; it was a testament to Iowa’s overall team performance and their coach’s ability to instill belief in his players. McCollum, who took over the program prior to the season, has quickly transformed the Hawkeyes into a formidable contender. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello noted that McCollum’s calm demeanor and strategic adjustments were key to Iowa’s success.
A Second-Half Surge and a Champion’s Fall
Florida’s loss marks the first time a No. 1 seed has been eliminated in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Gators, who finished the season with a 27-8 record, struggled to maintain their composure down the stretch, committing crucial turnovers and failing to secure key rebounds. Lee led Florida with 16 points, while Walter Clayton Jr. Added 14. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Iowa’s relentless pressure and timely shooting.
Iowa (23-12) overcame a shaky start to the tournament, having defeated Auburn in the first round. Their ability to navigate a challenging bracket and overcome adversity has been remarkable. The Hawkeyes’ success is built on a balanced attack, with multiple players capable of contributing offensively. Stirtz finished with 16 points, while Brown added 14.
Sweet 16 Bound: What’s Next for Iowa
Iowa’s victory propels them into the Sweet 16, where they will face the winner of the matchup between UConn and San Diego State. The game will be played in Boston, Massachusetts. The Hawkeyes will need to continue their strong play if they hope to advance to the Elite Eight and potentially develop a run at the national championship. The road ahead will be challenging, but Iowa has already proven they are capable of upsetting the odds.
Other Tournament Results
Sunday’s second-round action saw several other notable results:
- (2) Purdue 79, (7) Miami 69
- (2) Iowa State 82, (7) Kentucky 63
- (5) St. John’s 67, (4) Kansas 65
- (6) Tennessee 79, (3) Virginia 72
- (1) Arizona 78, (9) Utah State 66
- (2) UConn 73, (7) UCLA 57
- (4) Alabama 90, (5) Texas Tech 65
Swords Leads Michigan Women to Sweet 16
On the women’s side, Michigan secured their own Sweet 16 berth, defeating N.C. State 92-63. Sophomore Syla Swords led the Wolverines with 26 points, while Olivia Olson added 27, scoring all of her points in the second half. ESPN reported that Michigan’s dynamic duo proved too much for the Wolfpack to handle.
Michigan (27-6) will face the winner of Louisville and Alabama in the Fort Worth Regional semifinals. The Wolverines are aiming to replicate their previous Sweet 16 appearances in 2021 and 2022, where they reached the Elite Eight.
SOPHOMORES SYLA SWORDS AND OLIVIA OLSON GO OFF TO LEAD MICHIGAN TO ITS THIRD SWEET 16 IN PROGRAM HISTORY ⚔️
Swords: 26 PTS
Olson: 27 PTS pic.twitter.com/zFytuInDqK
—espn
Olson, a third-team Associated Press All-America player, overcame a slow start to dominate the second half, scoring on a variety of drives and jumpers. Swords, meanwhile, consistently attacked the basket and created opportunities for her teammates. Their combined performance underscored Michigan’s offensive firepower and their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Hawkeyes’ and Wolverines’ successes highlight the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the excitement that surrounds college basketball. Both teams will glance to continue their journeys in the coming days, hoping to etch their names into tournament history.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continues with the Sweet 16 next week. Fans can find the complete schedule and bracket information on the official NCAA website.
As Iowa prepares for its Sweet 16 matchup, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum and continuing to execute their game plan. The Hawkeyes have already defied expectations, and they are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
