TAMPA — On a brutal day for Sunshine State college basketball, Iowa delivered the final blow. The Hawkeyes stunned defending national champion Florida with a three‑pointer in the closing seconds, ending the Gators’ bid for a repeat and completing a sweep of disappointment for the state. Earlier in the day, Miami fell to No. 2 seed Purdue, ensuring that none of Florida’s four NCAA Tournament teams — USF, UCF, Miami, or Florida — advanced to the Sweet 16.
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Gators fall in dramatic finish as title defense ends
Florida’s season ended in the most painful fashion: a defensive breakdown in the final moments that allowed Iowa to knock down the decisive shot. The Gators, who entered the tournament with hopes of another deep run, struggled to put the Hawkeyes away despite multiple late opportunities. Iowa capitalized, closing out the game with poise and precision to eliminate the defending champions.
Miami’s strong season ends against Purdue’s firepower
Miami’s exit came hours earlier in St. Louis, where Purdue’s balanced scoring and late execution powered the Boilermakers to a 79–69 win. Fletcher Loyer led Purdue with 24 points, while Trey Kaufman‑Renn added 19 points and nine rebounds. Miami battled throughout, even taking a 40–38 halftime lead, but Purdue’s second‑half surge proved too much.
Braden Smith, fresh off breaking Bobby Hurley’s NCAA career assists record, posted 12 points and eight assists despite eight turnovers. Miami’s Shelton Henderson led the Hurricanes with 18 points and eight rebounds, and Malik Reneau added 16, but the Hurricanes couldn’t overcome Purdue’s 57% shooting from three‑point range.
A Florida wipeout: USF and UCF already gone
USF and UCF had already been eliminated in the opening round, leaving Florida and Miami as the state’s last hopes entering Sunday. By nightfall, both were out — marking the first time since the expanded tournament era that all four Florida teams failed to reach the Sweet 16.
Sunshine State hoops turns toward next season
With all four programs now out, attention shifts to offseason decisions, roster turnover, and the transfer portal. Florida will regroup after a title‑defense season that fell just short of another deep run. Miami, coming off a remarkable 19‑win improvement from last year, enters the offseason with momentum despite the loss. USF and UCF will look to build on competitive seasons in a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape.
