January 1, Shock upset dethrones NCAA champ as Iowa stuns Florida in Sweet 16 bid

Wyatt’s Take

• Heartland grit delivered a massive upset as Iowa topped the defending Florida champions 73-72.
• Alvaro Folgueiras nailed the game-winner from three with just four seconds left.
• Iowa punches its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.

Heartland grit was on full display Sunday as the Iowa Hawkeyes took down the defending champions in a massive upset.

This victory marks a turning point for a program that hasn’t seen this kind of success in decades.

Iowa knocked off the top-seeded Florida Gators with a final score of 73-72.

Alvaro Folgueiras hit the game-winning 3-pointer with only four seconds remaining.

The win secures Iowa a spot in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.

The game came down to a thrilling final possession after a tough battle on the court.

Guard Bennett Stirtz found Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner for the decisive shot.

Folgueiras dedicated the moment to his late father and celebrated with his mother in the stands.

He finished the night with 14 points and five rebounds.

“It’s really special,”

Folgueiras said after the win.

“We went through a lot of moments in the season. I’ve been in a lot of moments in my life. My mom is there after fighting for me her whole life.”

Tavion Banks led the Hawkeyes in scoring with 20 points on efficient shooting.

Florida’s Alex Condon led all scorers with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Gators’ title defense alive.

The loss means Florida will not repeat as national champions this year.

Iowa now moves forward to face their next challenge in the tournament cycle.

Wyatt Matters

Middle America roots for grit and family-first values, and this upset shows how belief can topple the favorites.