SPORTS

Iowa stuns No.1 Florida with last-second three shot

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Tampa, Fla. Alvaro Folgueiras hit a three-pointer with 4.5 seconds remaining, giving No.9 Iowa a 73-72 win over defending champion No.1 Florida on Sunday in the NCAA Tournament second round, eliminating the Gators and sending the Hawkeyes into the Sweet 16. Iowa, now 23-12 under first-year coach Ben McCollum, will face No.4 Nebraska on Thursday in Houston; Florida, 27-8, became the first No.1 seed knocked out this year, ending its defense of the national title and concluding the Gators’ tournament run.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Florida entered the tournament as the defending national champion and No.1 seed.
Iowa entered the tournament as the No.9 seed and advanced through the first round.
March 22, 2026: Iowa defeated Florida 73-72 in Tampa after Folgueiras’ 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds left.
Following the game, Iowa advanced to the Sweet 16 to face No.4 Nebraska in Houston on Thursday.
Florida’s season ended with the second-round loss, eliminating the defending champions from this year’s tournament.

Why This Matters to You

This game is a reminder of the unpredictability and thrill of sports. Whether you're an Iowa supporter, a Florida fan, or just a lover of basketball, this upset shows why we watch. It's a great conversation starter for your next sports chat.

The Bottom Line

No.9 Iowa's last-second win over No.1 Florida is a classic underdog story. It's a testament to the team's grit and the exciting unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. If you're a fan of college basketball, this is a game worth rewatching. Share this with someone who loves a good sports upset.