The top seed in the West Region of the 2025 NCAA Tournament will take the floor for the first time as the Florida Gators take on the 16-seed Norfolk State Spartans. One-seeds have lost just twice in the history of this tournament. In this game from Raleigh, NC on Friday, March 21, 2025, the Gators will look to avoid becoming the third team to earn that dubious distinction.
The top sports betting sites in America have Florida as a massive 28.5-point favorite going into this game. As for the total, that has been set at 153.5 points by oddsmakers, as they expect Florida to put up a big number against their opponents from the MEAC. Continue reading to get our prediction for Norfolk State vs Florida in this opening-round matchup during March Madness.
Norfolk State Seeks Another Upset Over SEC Opponent
Norfolk State won the MEAC tournament in dramatic fashion, beating South Carolina State by one point in the championship game. Their semifinal and championship game triumphs were decided by a combined four points. Here, they will look to win in less dramatic fashion, though that will certainly not be an easy task.
The Spartans are led by a dangerous guard in Brian Moore Jr. Moore averages 18.4 points per game to lead the team, while also leading them in field goal percentage at 54.6%. Moore was held to just 14.5 points per game in his team’s final two conference tournament games, though, and it will be interesting to see how the pressure of NCAA Tournament basketball will impact him and his team.
Florida Looks to Build On Winning SEC Championship
Florida enjoyed a dominant run through the SEC tournament this past week, blowing out Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee to claim the title in the best conference in college basketball. That earned Florida a one-seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament, where the Gators will look to win their first national championship since their back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
Florida’s offense is so explosive, as they enter this year’s tournament third in the nation in points per game. Florida has averaged 85.4 points per game for the season and they will be very difficult to stop for their 16-seed opponent in the opening round of March Madness. Here, we expect Florida to roll, with the only question being by how much.
Norfolk State vs Florida Prediction
Florida -28.5 (-110) over Norfolk State
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Claim Bonus - Florida is playing the best basketball of any team in the country entering the NCAA Tournament.
- Florida’s offense ranks first in the country according to Kenpom’s efficiency ratings.
