The No. 1 seed in the West Region Florida Gators(30-4) is preparing to face No. 16 seed Norfolk State Spartans(24-10) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The game will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina Friday evening.
The Gators were one of the nation’s best teams this year. They are looking to go on a deep tournament following a 1st Round loss in 2024. As a No. 7 seed, they lost a shootout to No. 10 seed Colorado. Norfolk State is returning to the tourney for the first time since 2022. Will the Spartans be able to keep this game close and put a scare in the favored Gators?
Florida Gators Season Summary
The team has been tremendous this year. They were second in the SEC during the regular season and won the conference tournament. They defeated No. 5 Alabama and No. 8 Tennessee to win the tournament. Florida will look to carry that momentum into the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Gators have been led by a tremendous offense. They are third in points scored, 51st in field goal percentage, and 89th in three-point percentage.
UF’s defense has also been strong. The unit is 93rd in points allowed, 14th in opposing field goal percentage, and 11th in opposing three-point percentage. The team’s best player has been Guard Walter Clayton Jr. He helped the Gators win the SEC Tournament by averaging 20 points per game.
Norfolk State Season Summary
The Spartans were the best team in the MEAC during the regular season and followed it up with a conference tournament title. Norfolk State’s offense is strong. They are 88th in points scored, 17th in field goal percentage, and 228th in three-point percentage.
Norfolk State’s defense has also been stellar. They are 86th in points allowed, 50th in opposing field goal percentage, and 181st in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Brian Moore Jr. has helped Norfolk State’s offense succeed this year.
Final Thoughts
Both teams have solid offenses and defenses, but it is tough to envision Norfolk State keeping pace. Florida is one of the biggest favorites in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Gators have been through a gauntlet in the SEC while the Spartans are 1-4 in Quad 1 and 2 games. Florida has National Championship aspirations and should dominate the Norfolk State Spartans.
