TAMPA, Fla. – Álvaro Folgueiras arrived in the United States from Spain at age 16 with a simple, yet ambitious dream: to play college basketball. On Sunday night, under the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament, that dream manifested in a moment of pure exhilaration, as Folgueiras delivered the game-winning shot to upset defending national champion Florida and propel Iowa to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
The improbable victory, a 73-72 thriller, was sealed when Folgueiras connected on a three-pointer with just 4.5 seconds remaining, sending the Hawkeyes and their fans into a frenzy at Benchmark International Arena. The shot not only eliminated the top-seeded Gators but also etched Folgueiras’ name into Iowa basketball lore.
Following the game-winner, Folgueiras immediately sought out his mother, Beatriz Campos, in the stands. The emotional reunion was particularly poignant, as Campos hadn’t seen her son play in person since the previous summer when he represented the Spanish national team. Her last visit to watch him compete at the collegiate level was during his freshman year at Robert Morris University.
“It’s super special to have my mom here. She is everything to me,” Folgueiras said, as reported by the Associated Press. “Where would the world be without moms? She is super strong. She’s been through a lot in life. Sometimes when basketball is tough, and basketball is life, I feel of my mom as an example of resilience, and that really inspires me and gives me confidence. Because she’s not just a fighter, she’s a super special person. I’m very lucky to have her as my mom.”
The moment carried even deeper meaning for Folgueiras, who lost his father at the age of nine. Having his mother present to witness his most significant basketball achievement was profoundly emotional. “Coming back after two years and seeing where I am now and how much I’ve worked to be where I am now, it’s a great feeling for her because she sent a 16-year-old kid to America without knowing any English… without anything but dreams and hunger,” he explained. “And this is for her and for my dad. He’s watching from up there.”
Folgueiras acknowledged the challenges of losing his father at a young age, but emphasized the strength his mother provided. “She left us – my mom, my brother, and me – at home. It was tough,” he said. “We didn’t really feel it that much because my mom always made sure we didn’t lack anything, absolutely anything. So I can’t say I grew up in an environment where I lacked things. Sometimes I can feel it because I miss him. I would just go to the court and play to receive away from home, to be with something else. But I can say I had a happy childhood. It’s something everyone says, and everyone has these kinds of things in their life. We’re not victims. I never let things like that turn me into a victim. Not me, not my brother, not my mom. We are like this because my mom showed it every day.”
Iowa (23-12), a ninth seed in the tournament, will now face fourth-seeded Nebraska (26-8) in Houston on Thursday, with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line. The Hawkeyes’ improbable run is largely fueled by the contributions of Folgueiras, who averages 8.5 points per game off the bench this season, and a season-high 14 points during the NCAA tournament.
Interestingly, the play wasn’t initially designed for Folgueiras to take the final shot. The intended play called for guard Bennett Stirtz to drive to the basket, but Folgueiras confidently signaled his readiness. “This dude came up to me and he’s like, ‘I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to make it,’” Stirtz recounted. “That’s what he actually did.”
First-year Iowa coach Ben McCollum described Folgueiras’ mindset as “irrational confidence.” Folgueiras himself offered a more grounded explanation. “I work a lot,” he said. “I don’t rely on confidence. It’s that simple. I’m the same player if I make it or if I miss it. With that mindset, I just don’t let mistakes affect me too much. Sometimes I do better than others, but that’s the intention.”
The Hawkeyes are seeking their first national championship in program history. Their last appearance in the Elite Eight came in 1987. Folgueiras’ clutch performance has given them a legitimate opportunity to break that drought.
Folgueiras’ journey to this point is a testament to his dedication and the unwavering support of his mother. From leaving his home in Málaga, Spain, at the age of 16 to pursue his basketball dreams in the United States, to overcoming personal tragedy, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and a belief in himself. He initially played at Robert Morris University before transferring to Iowa after the hiring of Coach McCollum. At Robert Morris, he was named the Horizon League Player of the Year in 2025, averaging 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
The improbable win over Florida wasn’t without its drama. Earlier in the game, Folgueiras was involved in a scuffle with Florida’s Alex Condon, resulting in double technical fouls. Florida coach Todd Golden expressed his frustration with the officiating crew following the incident, seemingly believing Folgueiras should have been ejected. However, Folgueiras remained composed and focused, ultimately delivering the game-winning shot.
Iowa’s victory is a significant upset, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of March Madness. The Hawkeyes will now look to continue their Cinderella run against a tough Nebraska team. The game is scheduled for Thursday in Houston, and will undoubtedly be a challenging test for Iowa as they strive to reach the Final Four.
What’s Next: Iowa will face Nebraska in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday in Houston. Game time and television details will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the NCAA Tournament.
What are your thoughts on Iowa’s stunning upset? Share your predictions for the Sweet Sixteen in the comments below!
