Alvaro Folgueiras played a key role as ninth-seeded Iowa defeated Nebraska 77-71 in a South Region semifinal, continuing their unexpected NCAA tournament run.
Folgueiras converted a critical three-point play when Nebraska had only four defenders on the court.
The Hawkeyes advance to the Elite Eight.
Folgueiras and Stirtz Propel Iowa’s Offence
Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points and Folgueiras had 16 for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa knocked off top-seeded Florida in the second round on Folgueiras’ 3-pointer in the closing seconds.
Iowa will face Illinois for a spot in the Final Four.
Hawkeyes Overcome Early Deficit
Fourth-seeded Nebraska took an early 10-point lead against its conference rival.
Iowa tied the score four times but never led until Stirtz buried a 3-pointer to make it 68-65 with 2:10 to go.
Tate Sage hit another 3 to cap a 9-0 run and put Iowa ahead 71-65.
Closing Moments Secure Victory
The Cornhuskers got to within three on a second-chance 3 by Braden Frager, but they were disorganized on the inbounds play, leaving Folgueiras unguarded near the rim.
He slammed it home and converted the free throw for a six-point lead.
Another dunk by Folgueiras with 34 seconds left made it 76-68.
Nebraska’s Tournament Run Ends
Iowa transfer Pryce Sandfort made six 3s and scored 25 points for Nebraska.
Frager added 16 points for coach Fred Hoiberg’s Cornhuskers.
“These guys will be a part of history of Nebraska basketball forever, for winning the first NCAA tournament game, getting to the Sweet 16, most wins in the history of the program, highest ranking,” Hoiberg said. “They just did so many things to elevate our program. I’m really proud of them.”
Iowa’s second-half rally was fueled by Nebraska’s cold shooting: The Huskers were 9 of 32 (28.1%) after halftime, with most of those attempts coming from beyond the arc, where they made only
Iowa became the lowest-seeded team from the Big Ten to reach a regional final since seeding began in 1979.
For Stirtz and McCollum, this March Madness run continues a journey that began at Northwest Missouri State and continued last season at Drake before the pair both moved on to Iowa.