In one of the most electrifying moments of the NCAA tournament, Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras delivered a jaw-dropping 3-pointer with just 4.5 seconds left, propelling the Hawkeyes to a 73-72 victory over No. 1 seed Florida.
The dramatic shot, which stunned the Benchmark International Arena, sent Iowa to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
A Historic Win
This victory marked Iowa's second win against a No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history. The first came in 1980 against Syracuse. But this win stood out even more, as it featured a clutch shot that echoed Kris Jenkins' buzzer-beater for Villanova in the 2016 national championship game. Folgueiras' performance proved that anything is possible in March Madness.
Confidence Under Pressure
With the Hawkeyes trailing by two, Bennett Stirtz made a critical pass to Folgueiras, who calmly sank the go-ahead 3-pointer. "The play was drawn up for me to get downhill, and then this dude came up to me and he's like, 'I'm going to be ready, and I'm going to make it,'" Stirtz explained. "That's exactly what he did."
The energy in the arena was electric, and first-year coach Ben McCollum could hardly believe what had just unfolded. "Did you say that?" McCollum asked. "I did," replied Folgueiras, his ultra-confidence shining through.
Folgueiras' Inspiring Journey
The victory was even more poignant for Folgueiras, who grew up in Málaga, Spain. His mother, Beatriz Campos, sent him to the U.S. at 16 with nothing but dreams and ambition. "She sent a 16-year-old kid to America without knowing any English... just dreams and hunger," Folgueiras shared. "This win is for her and my dad, who's watching up there."
The emotional moment was a reunion for the two. Folgueiras had not seen his mother since August, and it was the first time she had watched him play a college game in two years. Their embrace after the game was heartwarming, with his mother proudly holding a sign that read, "YOU ARE THE BEST #7."
The Game's Tension and Final Moments
The Hawkeyes had led for most of the game, with a 12-point advantage at one point, but Florida came back in the final moments. After a missed layup by Stirtz, Florida's Isaiah Brown made one of two free throws, putting the Gators ahead 72-70. But Iowa, staying composed, broke Florida's full-court press, and Folgueiras found himself wide open for the game-winning shot.
Coach McCollum was in awe of the moment, saying, “He caught it in rhythm and buried it, didn't hit anything but net.”
Reflecting on the Moment
Stirtz, who contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists, reflected on the team's confidence and resilience. “No one really believed in us outside this locker room,” he said, acknowledging that the Hawkeyes had defied the odds.
Despite Florida's dominant 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M just two nights earlier, Iowa maintained control, outplaying the Gators in the paint. In a thrilling final sequence, Folgueiras' clutch shot sealed the deal for Iowa, marking a huge milestone for the program.
The victory wasn't just a triumph for Iowa but for a player who had overcome great challenges. “Basketball is life,” Folgueiras said, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience and tireless work ethic.
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember
As the Hawkeyes prepare for the Sweet 16, the victory will go down as one of the most memorable moments of this NCAA tournament. The clutch shot, the emotional reunion, and the incredible journey of Alvaro Folgueiras serve as a reminder that dreams and determination can lead to greatness. For Iowa, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable March Madness run.
