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Iowa advances to Elite Eight after upset win over Nebraska

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Houston — Ninth-seeded Iowa defeated Nebraska 77-71 Thursday at the Toyota Center to reach the Elite Eight. Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points and Alvaro Folgueiras added 16, while coach Ben McCollum’s first-year program advanced after previously upsetting top-seeded Florida in the tournament’s second round. The Hawkeyes (24-12) will play Illinois on Saturday for a Final Four berth; McCollum’s team became the lowest-seeded Big Ten program to reach a regional final since 1979. Players referenced heightened intensity following a sideline confrontation with Florida’s staff on Sunday, and the program gained national attention.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Aggregated From:

ESPN.com The Tennessean

Timeline of Events

Last summer: Bennett Stirtz mowed lawns while home in Liberty, Mo., per profile.
Regular season: Iowa compiled a season record that qualified them for the NCAA Tournament.
Sunday (second round): Iowa upset top-seeded Florida on Folgueiras's late 3-pointer; a sideline confrontation occurred between coaching staffs.
Thursday (South semifinal): Iowa defeated Nebraska 77-71 at the Toyota Center to reach the Elite Eight.
Saturday: Iowa is scheduled to play Illinois for a chance to advance to the Final Four.

Why This Matters to You

Iowa's Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to hard work and resilience. It's a reminder that even the underdog can triumph with the right mindset and determination. If you're a sports fan, this is a story of inspiration. If you're from the Midwest, it's a source of regional pride.

The Bottom Line

Iowa's journey to the Elite Eight is a thrilling chapter in college basketball history. It's a story of a team that refused to back down, even when the odds were stacked against them. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good underdog story.