HOUSTON — Alvaro Folgueiras made a game-changing three-point play for Iowa, edging out Nebraska with a 77-71 victory in the NCAA Tournament. Under the guidance of first-year coach Ben McCollum, Iowa has made a surprising run, marked by an earlier win against top-seeded Florida.
The Hawkeyes, led by Bennett Stirtz with 20 points and Folgueiras with 16, are on the brink of their first Final Four appearance since 1987. It’s notable that Iowa is the lowest-seeded Big Ten team to reach the regional final since seeding began in 1979. McCollum called the team “Cinderella” for making it this far.
Nebraska started strong, building a 10-point lead. But Iowa fought back, with key plays by Stirtz and Sage Tate, including a crucial 3-pointer that shifted the momentum to Iowa late in the game. Folgueiras sealed the win with a slam dunk that excited the fans.
“This has been an incredible journey,” McCollum said, reflecting on the path that began at Northwest Missouri State and continued at Drake before arriving at Iowa. Stirtz praised McCollum’s influence, expressing gratitude for his growth as both a player and a person.
Nebraska also had standout moments, with Pryce Sandfort scoring 25 points and Braden Frager contributing 16. Coach Fred Hoiberg praised his players for making history by winning their first NCAA tournament games and reaching the Sweet 16.
However, Nebraska’s chances slipped as they struggled with shooting in the second half, managing only 28% from the field. “We missed some good looks,” Hoiberg acknowledged. Both teams had split their previous encounters this season, but Iowa now has the chance to represent the Big Ten in the Final Four.
This season’s surprising outcomes mirror the unpredictability of the tournament’s history. For instance, in 1985, an 8-seed Villanova shocked everyone by winning the championship. It shows that anything can happen in March Madness.
Coaches Hoiberg and McCollum have mutual respect for each other, with Hoiberg commending McCollum’s success at every level of coaching. McCollum reciprocated, appreciating the turnaround Hoiberg achieved with Nebraska.
As the tournament advances, the excitement grows. Fans everywhere are hopeful for more surprising upsets and thrilling games.
For more updates and insights, you can check out the latest from NCAA.
