In this article we will formulate a Florida vs Norfolk State prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 21st at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament.
Florida Gators Betting Preview
The Florida Gators are 30-4 (14-4) this year after they defeated Tennessee by a score of 86-77 to win the SEC Tournament in their last game. Florida led 39-30 at halftime and was able to get the win, despite allowing 47 points in the second half. The Gators shot 42.6% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 89.3% on free throws in the game. Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida with 22 points and five rebounds, while Will Richard added 17 points and three assists in the win.
Prior to that game, the Gators defeated Alabama by a score of 104-82 and Missouri by a score of 95-81. Florida has won six games in a row and they finished second in the SEC standings with a 14-4 record. Florida has scored 85.4 points per game and they have allowed 69 points against per game, while also averaging 42.1 rebounds and 16.0 assists per game this season. Walter Clayton Jr. is averaging 17.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Alijah Martin is averaging 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year. Florida is shooting 47.4% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season.
Norfolk State Spartans Betting Preview
The Norfolk State Spartans are 24-10 (11-3) this season after they defeated South Carolina State by a score of 66-65 in the MEAC Tournament Final. Norfolk State trailed 34-25 at halftime, but they scored 41 points in the second half and benefitted from a terrible decision to foul to get the win. The Spartans shot 41.7% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 67.6% on free throws in the game. Christian Ings led Norfolk State with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Brian Moore Jr. added 15 points and seven rebounds in the win.
Prior to that huge victory, the Spartans defeated Morgan State by a score of 58-55 and UMES by a score of 77-70. Norfolk State has won four games in a row and they finished tied for first in the MEAC standings with an 11-3 record. The Spartans lost to Tennessee by a score of 67-52, Baylor by a score of 94-69, and Grand Canyon by a score of 91-73 earlier this season. Norfolk State has scored 77.3 points per game and they have allowed 69.0 points against per game, while also averaging 34.7 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. Brian Moore Jr. is averaging 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while Christian Ings is averaging 11.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this year. Norfolk State is shooting 48.9% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 33.1% on three pointers this season.
Why Florida will beat Norfolk State
- Norfolk State has lost each of its last 15 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Florida has won each of its last 13 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Norfolk State has lost the first half in each of its last 15 games against AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Fourteen of Norfolk State’s last 15 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
- Each of Florida’s last seven games have produced a total of 159+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Florida ranks T2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.4).
- Florida ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+16.3).
- Norfolk State ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (16.5).
- Norfolk State ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.2%).
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Florida vs Norfolk State Prediction
Florida comes into this matchup after winning the SEC Tournament and they won by margins of 14, 22, and 9 points. The Gators are definitely one of the best teams in the country and they have scored at least 86 points in five straight games. Norfolk State has won four games in a row, but they barely survived against Morgan State and SC State. I know the Spartans hung in there against Tennessee in a non-conference game this year, but I don’t see how they are going to even keep this game close. Florida is so deep that it won’t really matter when their starters are pulled out. Take Florida to cover this big number.