RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Gators basketball team kicked off its NCAA Tournament journey with a compelling performance, decisively defeating Norfolk State with a score of 95-69. This victory marks the Gators' first tournament win in four years, a promising start for head coach Todd Golden, who earned his first NCAA Tournament win as a head coach.
The Gators, seeded No. 1 in the tournament, showcased their offensive prowess early, racing to an impressive lead of 24-5. They maintained this trajectory, reaching a staggering 42-14 differential before heading into halftime with a commanding 52-31 lead after the Spartans closed the half with an 11-0 run.
Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as a standout player, scoring 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including four 3-pointers. His performance solidified his status as an All-American, a designation he received just days before. Alijah Martin contributed significantly as well, scoring 17 points, while the team collectively displayed depth in their performance.
With a total of 41 rebounds compared to Norfolk State's 28, the Gators dominated the glass. However, the game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their defensive play. Florida allowed Norfolk State to shoot 45.2% from the field, with the Spartans hitting 50% in the second half. Coach Todd Golden noted the necessity for his team to maintain defensive intensity throughout the entirety of the match.
“For some reason we let off the gas a little bit; it affected the way we played for the rest of the game,” remarked junior center Micah Handlogten, suggesting complacency might have crept in during the latter half of the game.
Looking forward, the Gators now prepare for a challenging matchup against UConn, who advanced by defeating Oklahoma. This Round of 32 game is set for March 23 at 12:10 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The history between Florida and UConn adds an extra layer of intensity to this encounter, as the two teams have faced each other a total of six times, with Florida holding a record of 1-5 against the Huskies.
“The run we've been on — you know, if it wasn't for all of my antics and viral moments, obviously there would be more focus on just what we've accomplished as a program the last three years,” UConn coach Dan Hurley stated, emphasizing their ongoing success and resilience.
Florida's past with UConn recalls a 2014 Final Four loss, but their earlier encounter in 1994 saw Florida collect an upset victory over the top-seeded Huskies. These historical matchups add a sense of urgency and rivalry to this tournament context.
The stakes are high for both teams, with BetMGM listing Florida as a 9.5-point favorite, bringing confidence to the Gators fans as they look to extend their postseason run. The matchup will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed via Paramount Plus and Fubo, allowing fans to stay connected with the action.
In addition to the tournament excitement, the Gators have been riding a seven-game winning streak, averaging 94.0 points per game during this stretch. The team’s dynamics seem to have clicked at the right time, as they demonstrate effective offensive strategies, including an average of 10.9 three-pointers with 17.4 assists per game.
“It’s important to get every win at this point in the season. We lose, we go home,” reflected Clayton on the pressure of tournament gameplay. He emphasized the team's need to stay focused, ensuring they do not lose sight of their goals.
While the team's offensive success is commendable, the challenge will be to maintain composure and effectiveness against UConn, known for their defensive skills and resilience. The Gators will need to harness their strengths and rectify defensive gaps to maximize their chances of success.
As the Gators head into this critical matchup, the experience from past encounters combined with their current momentum may serve as the key to overcoming the defending champions. With Todd Golden at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination as they march deeper into the tournament.
The upcoming game against UConn promises to be a thrilling encounter, as the Gators aim to rewrite their narrative in this intense NCAA tournament saga.
