Here's what the two Hawkeyes told the media after they played a huge role in guiding Iowa past Nebraska.
Q. Bennett, two years ago you're playing in the Division-II tournament and now you're a game away from going to the Final Four. Just what is this moment like for you and did you ever envision this happening two years ago?
BENNETT STIRTZ: Not at all. Honestly, after my college career, I'll look back on it, but right now -- I know it sounds cliché, but just focus on the moment right now, and not looking past, not looking ahead, just taking one foot in front of the other right now and, honestly, done celebrating already and on to the next.
Q. 58 seconds left. They've got four players on the court. Can you walk us through kind of what you-all saw before that basket?
BENNETT STIRTZ: I was pretty shocked to see Alvaro wide open. I didn't even know they had four players on until we were in the locker room. Kael [Combs] threw a great pass. We were able to move on the baseline, so that helped out a lot, and Al had a nice dunk.
TATE SAGE: It was kind of the same for me. We were going to throw it to Bennett but, then we looked down and Alvaro had nobody on him, so we're, like, Kael, throw it, and ended up getting the bucket.
Q. After the win in the round of 32, heard about how Alvaro wanted the ball in that moment. And then in the first half, he's got the dunk where he's streaking down the middle of the lane and nasty one late and a couple big shots. What have you seen from him in terms of that confidence and being able to build here in the tournament?
TATE SAGE: Obviously Alvaro's a great player and he's shown that, but I think it's his leadership, that he is stepping up and making big-time plays, and that's who the player he is. He's a great player and him stepping up, hitting shots, and getting downhill, like, that has been crucial for us.
BENNETT STIRTZ: I think he's just not shy of the moment and not scared. I think some people shy away from it and go in their little show when moments get too big and he embraces it and he wants to play well in these big environments.
Q. If I could flip it over, we asked Coach about you. Can you share some thoughts on your connection with Coach? You guys have won everywhere you've been and it's been historic for you guys this year too.
BENNETT STIRTZ: Yeah, he's turned me into a great person off the court and a great player on court, too. Honestly, I don't want to talk about it that much. I get emotional. That's just another topic for after the season that we can look at. Right now just focus on the next game.