Iowa's Stunning Upset: Sweet Sixteen Bound

On March 24th, Iowa pulled off a stunning upset, beating top-seated Florida 73-72 to reach

the Sweet 16 for the first time.

Since 1998, with just 8.9 seconds left and trailing by two, freshman Alvaro Fulgeris

drained a corner 3 to seal the win over the defending.

National champions in their home state, coach Ben McCollum, who was leading a Division

2 team just two years ago, built this Hawkeye squad from overlooked players, including transfers.

From junior college, high school laycomers, and smaller programs like Robert Morris and

Wyoming, Iowa dominated inside, shooting over 70% on two-pointers, led by Tavion Banks

with 20 points.

The college basketball world lit up with shock, as only 4.8% of brackets picked Iowa this

far.

Fans and media hailed the improbable run, turning the 9th seeds into bracket busters and

underdog favorites.

Fulgeris stole hearts by rushing to hook his mom in the stands, her first time seeing

him play college ball since he left Spain at 16.

Meanwhile, Cooper Koch fired back at the pro-Florida crowd with Gator Chomptons, echoing

his dad's role on Iowa's 1999 suite, 16 team.

Now Iowa heads to Houston for Thursday, 6.30pm, Central Time Clash with Nebraska on

TVS, the deciding game of their season series as both chase, program history.