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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Last summer: Bennett Stirtz mowed lawns while home in Liberty, Mo., per profile.
- 2. Regular season: Iowa compiled a season record that qualified them for the NCAA Tournament.
- 3. Sunday (second round): Iowa upset top-seeded Florida on Folgueiras's late 3-pointer; a sideline confrontation occurred between coaching staffs.
- 4. Thursday (South semifinal): Iowa defeated Nebraska 77-71 at the Toyota Center to reach the Elite Eight.
- 5. Saturday: Iowa is scheduled to play Illinois for a chance to advance to the Final Four.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
