Florida vs. Norfolk State prediction, picks for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
It's Florida vs Norfolk State in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with where to watch and game time.
Editor's note: Follow Men's March Madness live updates and scores from Friday's first-round action.
The final top seed in the Round of 64 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament takes the court today.
West Region action Friday features top-seeded Florida taking on Norfolk State.
The Florida Gators finished the 2024-25 season at 30-4 and captured their first SEC tournament title since 2014. That result earned the Gators a No. 1 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Norfolk State Spartans, are back in the NCAA Tournament after two years out of the dance thanks to winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament title.
Florida ranks second in the KenPom rankings behind the No. 1-ranked offense in the country and ninth-best defense. Norfolk State ranks 180th overall and behind a stronger offense (167th) than defense (215th) as well.
Here's how our experts see Thursday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out Paste BN's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Here are our Florida vs. Norfolk State picks and predictions.
Florida vs. Norfolk State picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: Florida
- Paul Myerberg: Florida
- Erick Smith: Florida
- Eddie Timanus: Florida
- Dan Wolken: Florida
- Craig Meyer: Florida 97, Norfolk State 65
- Kevin Brockway: Florida 97, Norfolk State 63
The final No. 1 vs. No. 16 matchup of the Round of 64 sees no upsets from our experts. Florida's rated well and Timanus predicts the Gators will go all the way, while Mendoza and Wolken predict they'll finish runner-up.
Florida vs. Norfolk State date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Game Time: 6:50 p.m. ET
- Location: Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
- TV Channel: TNT
- Live Stream: Sling - Watch Now!
Watch Florida vs. Norfolk State on SlingTV
Florida vs. Norfolk State odds
Odds as of Thursday, March 20 via BetMGM.
- Spread: Florida -28.5 (-105)
- Moneyline Favorite: Florida -10000
- Moneyline Underdog: Norfolk State +3300
- Total: 153.5
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