RALEIGH, N.C. – In a commanding display, the No. 1 seed Florida Gators delivered a resounding message in their opening NCAA Tournament game, overpowering the No. 16 seed Norfolk State Spartans with a final score of 95-69 at the Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025. The Gators, now boasting a record of 31-4, have extended their winning streak to seven games, marking their 13th victory in their last 14 outings. This win also signifies Florida's first NCAA Tournament victory since their tight triumph over Virginia Tech in 2021.
Walter Clayton Jr., a senior All-American point guard, starred for Florida, leading all scorers with 23 points. His remarkable performance included 16 points in the first half, setting the stage for a commanding lead. Alijah Martin complemented this effort with 17 points, while Alex Condon contributed 12 points. Off the bench, Thomas Haugh added 13 points to help the Gators maintain momentum.
From the tip-off, Florida showcased their dominance, racing to a 32-point lead at one point in the first half, and finishing that period with a comfortable 53-32 advantage, despite Norfolk State's late 11-0 run just before halftime.
Florida's effective shooting was a significant factor in their first-half success, hitting 50% of their shots from the field compared to Norfolk State's 41.9%. The Gators also made notable strides beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 36.8% on three-point attempts.
In the second half, Florida maintained their edge, with the score sitting at 66-44 with 15:20 remaining in the game. Despite some defensive lapses, particularly late in the game, they managed to keep Norfolk State at bay.
The victory means Florida will advance to face the winner of the matchup between Connecticut and Oklahoma in the Round of 32 on March 23, 2025. Analysts had predicted that Florida would win decisively, placing a -28.5 point spread against the Spartans, and their performance certainly lived up to that expectation.
The Gators, fueled by their recent success, are eyeing a deeper postseason run, with Florida having concluded the regular season on a high note, including a championship win over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament.
This opening round game also has historical context, as Florida previously faced Norfolk State in 2012, achieving a convincing 84-50 victory in the Sweet 16 of that season's NCAA Tournament.
For Norfolk State, despite the loss, their journey to the tournament came with their own achievements, having pursued a successful run in the MEAC Tournament leading to their bid. Senior guard Brian Moore Jr., who is among the Spartans' top scorers, was sidelined most of the game as Florida’s defense ultimately proved too much to handle.
While the Spartans fought valiantly, Florida's defensive pressure and efficient offense made all the difference, showcasing their title ambitions at the tournament stage.
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Florida can maintain this momentum and push further towards the coveted championship.
