Sports
Iowa and Iowa State Secure Sweet 16 Berths in NCAA Tournament Play
Iowa advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999 by defeating top-seeded Florida 73-72 on Sunday. Iowa State also moved forward, beating Kentucky 82-63 to earn its spot in the regional semifinals.
The Iowa Hawkeyes secured a 73-72 victory over the Florida Gators on Sunday, marking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999 under coach Ben McCollum. Alvaro Folgueiras hit a crucial three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left, propelling Iowa past the top-seeded Gators in a second-round contest. Florida, with a season record of 27-8, became the initial No. 1 seed to exit this year's March Madness competition. Iowa, now 23-12, overcame a 12-point deficit in the latter half to achieve the upset, a feat not seen since Florida State's victory over Xavier in 2018. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Iowa State Cyclones defeated Kentucky 82-63 to advance. Senior guard Tamin Lipsey delivered a career-best performance with 26 points and 10 assists, stepping up in the absence of injured All-America forward Joshua Jefferson. Milan Momcilovic contributed 20 points, and Nate Heise, starting in Jefferson's place, added 12 points for the 29-7 Cyclones.
Key Facts
- Iowa defeated top-seeded Florida 73-72 on Sunday in the NCAA Tournament's second round.
- Alvaro Folgueiras made a three-point shot with 4.5 seconds remaining, securing Iowa's victory.
- This win sends Iowa to the Sweet 16, their first time reaching this stage since 1999.
- Florida, with a 27-8 record, became the first No. 1 seed eliminated from the current tournament.
- Iowa State advanced to a Midwest Region semifinal by defeating Kentucky 82-63.
- Tamin Lipsey led Iowa State with a career-high 26 points and 10 assists.
- Milan Momcilovic scored 20 points for Iowa State, and Nate Heise added 12 points.
- Iowa State's victory was achieved without All-America forward Joshua Jefferson, who was sidelined with a sprained left ankle.