Alvaro Folgueiras hits game-winner to lift Iowa past No. 1 Florida, into first Sweet 16 since 1999

Florida's hopes at back-to-back national titles are gone

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:43am

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Alvaro Folgueiras drilled a late 3-pointer in the final seconds to lift No. 9 Iowa past No. 1 Florida 73-72 on Sunday night in Tampa, Florida. That sent the Hawkeyes into their first Sweet 16 since 1999. The game featured a heated altercation between Iowa's Folgueiras and Florida's Alex Condon in the first half, but Folgueiras ultimately hit the game-winning shot to crush the Gators' national title hopes.

Why it matters

This upset victory for Iowa over the top-ranked Florida Gators is a major March Madness moment, as the Hawkeyes advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in over 20 years. It also ends Florida's hopes of defending their national championship, a significant blow for the program.

The details

With the game tied at 72-72 in the final seconds, Iowa star Bennett Stirtz found a wide-open Folgueiras in the corner, and he drained the game-winning 3-pointer. Earlier in the game, Folgueiras and Florida's Alex Condon got into a heated altercation fighting for a loose ball, resulting in both players receiving technical fouls. Iowa had built a 12-point lead in the second half, but Florida stormed back to take a late lead before Folgueiras' heroics.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 23, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
  • Iowa last made the Sweet 16 in 1999, over 20 years ago.

The players

Alvaro Folgueiras

The Iowa player who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lift the Hawkeyes to victory. He finished with 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Bennett Stirtz

The Iowa star who brought the ball up the floor in the final seconds and found Folgueiras for the game-winning shot.

Alex Condon

The Florida player who got into a heated altercation with Folgueiras in the first half, resulting in both players receiving technical fouls.

Todd Golden

The Florida head coach who was livid after the altercation between Condon and Folgueiras.

Ben McCollum

The Iowa head coach who was also involved in the heated exchange with Florida's Todd Golden on the sidelines.

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What’s next

The Hawkeyes will advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, where they will face the winner of the game between No. 4 seed Virginia and No. 5 seed San Diego State.

The takeaway

This upset victory for the underdog Iowa Hawkeyes over the top-ranked Florida Gators is a Cinderella story for the ages, as the Hawkeyes punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time in over two decades. It's a heartbreaking end to Florida's hopes of defending their national championship, but a triumphant moment for the resurgent Iowa program.