No. 1 Florida Cruises Past No. 16 Norfolk State with a Dominant First Half in NCAA Tournament Opener
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Gators entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region, and they wasted no time proving why. Behind a blistering first-half performance, the Gators dismantled No. 16 seed Norfolk State, 95-69, in their first-round matchup on Friday night at the Lenovo Center.
Florida’s fast start put the game out of reach early, as senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. spearheaded the offensive onslaught with a game-high 23 points. The Gators shot 58% from the field in the first half, storming to a commanding 54-29 lead at the break. The Spartans, despite a valiant effort, could not keep up with Florida’s size, speed, and skill.
A Blistering First-Half Performance
From the opening tip, Florida made its intentions clear. The Gators executed their game plan to perfection, using suffocating defense to create transition opportunities. Within minutes, Florida had built a double-digit lead, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break buckets.
Walter Clayton Jr. was electric from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers in the first 20 minutes. His ability to stretch the floor opened up driving lanes for teammates, and the Gators exploited them relentlessly.
“We wanted to come out and set the tone early,” said Clayton after the game. “Coach [Todd Golden] told us to play fast and take smart shots. We did that, and it worked in our favor.”
Junior forward Alex Condon provided a major boost in the paint, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds. His presence on both ends of the floor made life difficult for Norfolk State’s interior players, forcing them into foul trouble early.
Florida’s defense was equally dominant, holding Norfolk State to just 39% shooting in the first half while forcing 11 turnovers. The Spartans, who averaged 72 points per game during the regular season, struggled to find any offensive rhythm.
Norfolk State Struggles to Keep Pace
Norfolk State entered the tournament hoping to pull off a historic upset—something a No. 16 seed has done just twice in NCAA Tournament history. However, Florida made sure that hope faded quickly.
The Spartans were led by senior guard Joe Bryant Jr., who scored 18 points, but he received little help from his supporting cast. Norfolk State’s offense was stagnant against Florida’s swarming defense, and their outside shooting woes (5-for-21 from three) prevented them from making any kind of comeback push.
“We knew coming in that we had to play a near-perfect game to have a chance,” said Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones. “Florida is a No. 1 seed for a reason. They’re deep, athletic, and disciplined. We just couldn’t match their energy in the first half, and that put us in a tough spot.”
One of the biggest factors in Florida’s dominance was rebounding. The Gators out-rebounded Norfolk State 41-26, limiting second-chance opportunities and capitalizing on transition offense. Florida also outscored the Spartans 48-28 in the paint, highlighting the physical disparity between the two teams.
Second Half: Florida Stays in Control
With a 25-point halftime lead, Florida could have taken its foot off the gas, but head coach Todd Golden made sure his team remained focused. The Gators continued to push the pace in the second half, preventing any chance of a Norfolk State rally.
Senior forward Tyrese Samuel, a key contributor off the bench, provided energy and scoring in the second half, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds. His efforts ensured Florida’s reserves got significant playing time while maintaining a comfortable lead.
The Spartans showed some fight in the second half, going on a brief 10-2 run midway through the period, but it was too little, too late. Florida’s depth allowed them to keep fresh legs on the court, and their superior athleticism prevented Norfolk State from ever making it a competitive game.
With the victory secured, Florida emptied its bench in the final minutes, allowing younger players valuable tournament experience. The crowd gave a standing ovation as the final buzzer sounded, recognizing Florida’s complete performance.
Looking Ahead: A Tougher Test in Round Two
With their first-round matchup behind them, the Gators now turn their attention to a much tougher opponent. Florida will face No. 8 seed UConn in the second round—a team that battled past Oklahoma in a hard-fought opening game.
UConn, the defending national champions, poses a significant challenge for Florida. The Huskies are known for their physical defense and balanced scoring attack, making them a dangerous matchup for any team.
Head coach Todd Golden acknowledged the difficulty of the next round but expressed confidence in his team.
“We know UConn is a great team. They have experience, they have size, and they have a championship pedigree,” Golden said. “But we feel good about where we are. We have to continue to play our game—push the pace, defend at a high level, and execute offensively.”
Florida’s players echoed their coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and intensity.
“This is March Madness—every game is a battle,” said Clayton Jr. “We respect UConn, but we’re here to win. We’ll be ready.”
Final Thoughts: A Statement Win for the Gators
Florida’s opening-round victory showcased why they are a top seed in this year’s tournament. Their combination of elite guard play, dominant post presence, and relentless defense makes them a legitimate championship contender.
While the road ahead will only get tougher, this performance sends a strong message to the rest of the field: Florida is here to compete at the highest level.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Gators to see if they can continue their
dominant run and make a deep push toward a national title.
