Gators stunned by Iowa as bid for repeat ends in NCAAs second round

Thomas Haugh (10) of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on Sunday in Tampa. (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)TAMPA — Florida’s hopes for a rare repeat came to a stunning conclusion as ninth-seeded Iowa bounced the Gators from the NCAA Tournament.

A 3-pointer with 4.5 second by 6-foot-10 Spaniard Alvaro Folgueriras ended Florida’s national championship bid during a 73-72 loss to Iowa Sunday night at Benchmark International Arena.

Point guard Xavian Lee took the ensuring inbounds pass the length of the court and behind the basket, but the Hawkeyes deflected his pass attempt to All-SEC forward…