Iowa Stuns Florida, Substantial Ten Makes Historic Push in NCAA Tournament

TAMPA, Fla. – In a stunning upset, the No. 9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the top-seeded and reigning national champion Florida Gators 73-72 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Southeast Region on Sunday night at Benchmark International Arena. The loss marks the end of Florida’s title defense and a heartbreaking finish for the Gators.

Game-Winning Shot by Alvaro Folgueiras

With just 4.5 seconds remaining, Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras hit a 3-pointer to secure the victory. Florida had one last chance, but a baseline-to-baseline sprint by guard Xaivian Lee ended with a turnover as his pass attempt to forward Alex Condon was knocked away as the buzzer sounded.

Florida’s Struggles and Iowa’s Resilience

Florida trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half but battled back to grab the lead, even extending it to four points with under six minutes to play. However, Iowa responded, tying the game at 71-70 before Folgueiras’ decisive shot. Florida coach Todd Golden acknowledged Iowa’s physicality in the first half, stating they “played well, especially in the first half…had us on our heels a little bit.”

Key Performances

Alex Condon led Florida with 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Thomas Haugh added 19 points and six rebounds in what may have been his final collegiate game. For Iowa, Tavion Banks led all scorers with 20 points.

Big Ten’s Dominance in the Tournament

Iowa’s victory is part of a larger trend of success for the Big Ten conference in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The conference sent a remarkable six teams to the Sweet 16 – Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois, Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan – marking its best showing in decades. Only Wisconsin and Ohio State failed to advance, losing by a combined three points.

Looking Ahead: Big Ten’s Championship Aspirations

This year’s Big Ten teams appear poised to create a serious run at the national championship. The conference boasts several top-ranked teams, including Michigan, and has established a strong presence in each quadrant of the bracket, raising the possibility of an all-Big Ten Final Four. It has been 26 years since Michigan State won the national championship in 2000, and the Big Ten has been unable to replicate that success since.

Duke vs. St. John’s: A Sweet 16 Showdown

The matchup between Duke and St. John’s in the Sweet 16 is shaping up to be particularly intriguing, especially given Duke’s injury concerns with starting center Patrick Ngongba II and point guard Caleb Foster. St. John’s demonstrated its ability to disrupt opponents with its full-court press, forcing 16 turnovers from Kansas in their second-round victory.

UConn and Michigan State Clash in Elite Eight Rematch

UConn will face Michigan State in a rematch of an October exhibition game, where UConn secured a 76-69 victory. The Huskies will need to rely on the contributions of Silas Demary Jr., who has been dealing with an ankle injury.

High Point’s Head Coach Flynn Clayman Earns Recognition

High Point head coach Flynn Clayman has emerged as a rising star in the coaching ranks after leading his team to an impressive tournament run. Clayman’s team pushed Arkansas to the brink, showcasing a fast-paced offense and a strong team culture.