Most important of all, the Florida Gators showed tremendous NCAA Tournament Betting value as one of the most profitable teams on the board. Florida does not draw the attention of Auburn, Alabama, or even Tennessee, but that is what adds to the strong profit margin of the Gators. The 2024-25 season proved to be a breakthrough for coach Todd Golden’s Gators. Last year, Florida was a Big Dance team but was not a serious threat to make the Final Four. This year, Golden has crafted a full-court team that can beat anyone that it faces.
2025 NCAA Tournament First Round Friday Florida Gators vs. Norfolk State Spartans
| Date and Time: | Friday, March 21, 2025, 6:50 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk St | +28½ -110 | 153½ -115 | +2800 |  |
| Florida | -28½ -110 | 153½ -105 | -11000 | |
| ||||
Norfolk State Team Overview
Late on, Norfolk State has covered one of its previous seven games and has gone under the sports betting total in three of its last four outings. First among Norfolk State scorers is Brian Moore, with 18.4 points per game.
Overall, the Norfolk State Spartans are 24-10 straight up, 17-11 against the spread, and 14-14 over/under the total. Norfolk State has national metrics of 73rd for scoring offense, 8th for field goal percentage, 189th for 3-point field goal percentage, 49th for free throw percentage, and 248th for offensive rebounding. While defensively, Norfolk State is 99th for scoring defense, 63rd for field goal percentage permitted, 176th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 90th for defensive rebounding.
Florida Gators Team Overview
Late on, Florida has covered nine of its previous ten games and has gone over the total in eight of its last ten outings. Walter Clayton is first among Florida scorers with 17.8 points per game.
Overall, the Florida Gators are 30-4 straight up, 23-8 against the spread, and 14-16-1 over/under the total. Florida has national metrics of 4th for scoring offense, 54th for field goal percentage, 91st for 3-point field goal percentage, 201st for free throw percentage, and 3rd for offensive rebounding. While defensively, Florida is 95th for scoring defense, 14th for field goal percentage permitted, 11th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 142nd for defensive rebounding.
Since Billy Donovan left the program in 2015, the Gators haven’t been in the same shape. Especially as the SEC has strengthened around them. They have been playing decades’ worth of catch-up. Certainly, Florida isn’t living in those former Donovan glory days.
A lot has happened since those national titles during the 2000s. However, Todd Golden’s first three seasons as head coach in Gainesville were productive. He has the Gators trending in a good direction against a strong and relatively deep SEC.
Accordingly, with its 86-77 over Tennessee to claim the SEC Tournament Championship, Todd Golden’s third Gators’ squad continues to leave no doubt even when those on the outside question the resume.
Heading into Saturday’s semifinal against Alabama, it seemingly came down to the winner of the Gators’ matchup against the Crimson Tide for the final No. 1 seed. Additionally, there was Duke, Auburn, and Houston. Florida dominated with a 20-point win while breaking a conference record for most points scored in a tournament game (104).
Florida vs. Norfolk State SBG Free Picks
Of course, the NCAA Tournament Betting odds will be expensive in Florida. But this is an epic mismatch.
Florida vs. Norfolk State SBG Best Bet: Florida Gators.