TAMPA — Florida’s hopes for a rare repeat came to a stunning conclusion as ninth-seeded Iowa bounced the Gators from the NCAA Tournament.
A 3-pointer with 4.5 second by 6-foot-10 Spaniard Alvaro Folgueriras ended Florida’s national championship bid during a 73-72 loss to Iowa Sunday night at Benchmark International Arena.
Point guard Xavian Lee took the ensuring inbounds pass the length of the court and behind the basket, but the Hawkeyes deflected his pass attempt to All-SEC forward Thomas Haugh in the lane to secure the Hawkeyes’ upset.
Comebacks carried Florida to the 2025 national championship.