NCAA Tournament expert predictions for Florida basketball vs Norfolk State in first round

Florida basketball opens up its NCAA Tournament run on Friday evening in Raleigh, North Carolina, against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of this year’s March Madness. The Gators are the No. 1 seed in the West Region while the Spartans are a No. 16-seeded automatic qualifier from the MEAC.

The two teams have met once before — in the Big Dance, no less — back in 2012 when a seventh-seeded UF squad headed by Billy Donovan crushed No. 15-seed Norfolk State, 84-50, in the Sweet 16. This time around, the rematch is even more lopsided as the Orange and Blue enter the tournament as the hottest team in the country.

Ahead of Friday evening’s action, the Gators Wire staff chimed in with its expert predictions for Florida’s first-round fight with Norfolk State. The group unanimously picked Golden’s gang and explained why just below.

‘Let’s be real: Florida is favored by nearly 30 points’

“Florida enters the NCAA Tournament as a legit title contender, fresh off an SEC championship and looking every bit like a team built for a deep run. Their first-round matchup? Norfolk State, a MEAC squad that had a nice conference run but is about to face a massive step up in competition. Let’s be real — Florida is favored by nearly 30 points for a reason.

“Walter Clayton Jr. and company are clicking on both ends, and Norfolk State simply doesn’t have the size, depth or firepower to keep up. Florida should roll in this one.” — Aidan Gallardo

Prediction: Florida 85, Norfolk State 60

‘Odds of an NSU upset remain virtually zero’

“No betting man would pick a 16-seed to take down a 1-seed even if it has happened twice over the past six NCAA Tournaments. The odds of an NSU upset remain virtually zero, and Florida has the advantage at every position on the court. Norfolk State needs a Herculean performance from its top guards, and Florida has what looks like the best backcourt in the country.

“The only thing that has me holding back on the 30-point blowout is the likelihood of Todd Golden pulling most of his starters once the lead is secure. March Madness is a grind, and there’s no need to risk injury if Florida’s ahead by 20-plus with eight or fewer minutes remaining.” — David Rosenberg

Prediction: Florida 88, Norfolk State 60

‘There will be no Cinderella story in this round’

“It is hard to see the Spartans giving the Gators any issues in this one, though Todd Golden’s team has to be careful not to mentally lapse and to take this one as seriously as any of its SEC matchups. The key will be to play a clean, injury-free game while maintaining the fundamentals that got them this far.

“There will be no Cinderella story in this round as Florida moves on to the Sweet 16.” — Adam Dubbin

Prediction: Florida 90, Norfolk State 61

Next up for Florida

The Gators open play with a matchup against the No. 16-seed Norfolk State Spartans on Friday, March 21, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tipoff time is slated for 6:50 p.m. ET and the game will broadcast nationally on TNT.