Iowa Upsets Florida: Folgueiras Buzzer-Beater Sends Gators Home | NCAA Tournament 2026

TAMPA, Fla. — A last-second three-pointer from junior forward Alvaro Folgueiras propelled No. 9 seed Iowa to a stunning 73-72 upset victory over defending national champion Florida in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday night at Benchmark International Arena.

The improbable win sends Iowa (23-12) to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, where they will face No. 4 seed Nebraska in Houston on Thursday. For Florida (27-8), the loss marks the first time a No. 1 seed has been eliminated in this year’s tournament and ends their hopes of back-to-back championships.

With 4.5 seconds remaining and the score tied at 72, Folgueiras received a pass from Bennett Stirtz and calmly drained a three-pointer from the corner, silencing a crowd largely comprised of Florida supporters. Florida had taken a late lead, 72-70, after Isaiah Brown split a pair of free throws with eight seconds left. Iowa broke the ensuing full-court press, creating the opportunity for Folgueiras.

Florida had one final chance to respond, but Xaivian Lee’s drive to the basket ended with a blocked pass intended for Thomas Haugh as time expired. The Gators, coming off a dominant 59-point victory in the first round, appeared uncharacteristically challenged throughout the game.

Iowa had built a lead of as many as 12 points in the second half, but Florida battled back, fueled by the energy of their home-court advantage. The game was briefly interrupted mid-first half when Folgueiras and Florida forward Alex Condon became entangled although battling for a loose ball. The ensuing scuffle drew technical fouls on both players, and Florida coach Todd Golden rushed onto the court to intervene. Golden expressed frustration with the officiating following the incident, though Folgueiras was not ejected.

Folgueiras, who transferred to Iowa after previously playing at Robert Morris and earning Horizon League Player of the Year honors in 2025, was instrumental in the victory. Prior to Sunday’s game-winning shot, he had been involved in the first-half altercation with Condon. He described his mindset leading up to the final play as focused on preparation and seizing the opportunity.

“I’m going to be ready,” Folgueiras told Stirtz before the play, according to reports. “And I’m going to develop it.”

Iowa’s first-year coach, Ben McCollum, praised Folgueiras’ confidence, describing it as “irrational.” The Hawkeyes’ victory marks the ninth time a No. 9 seed has defeated a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since 1979.

Florida’s loss leaves UConn as the only team to have successfully defended its national championship since Villanova in 2017.