Florida Gators Dominate Norfolk State with a 95-69 Victory: Game Highlights and Key Moments

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Gators kicked off their NCAA Tournament journey in a big way. Just 31 seconds into the game, senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. hit a long three-pointer from near half court. This set the tone for Florida, which dominated Norfolk State in a 95-69 victory.

From that moment, Florida never looked back. They maintained control throughout, marking their seventh win in a row and their 25th win this season by ten or more points. This victory was also notable as it was the first NCAA Tournament win for head coach Todd Golden, who took over in 2022. Golden expressed satisfaction but noted the team needed to tighten up their performance for future games.

Clayton was on fire, scoring 23 points and hitting shots with confidence. His early performance included a four-point play, helping Florida build a quick 13-2 lead. The Gators surged ahead, leading by as much as 32 points in the first half before ending the half at 53-32. They closed the first 20 minutes shooting 50%, a solid start that showcased their offensive firepower.

In the second half, Norfolk State fought back but never came closer than 18 points. The Gators had a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Alijah Martin contributed 17 points, while Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

This game marks a history-making moment for Florida basketball. It was the first time the Gators scored over 50 points in the first half of an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing their previous record of 48 from 2013.

Looking ahead, Florida (31-4) will face either the defending champions, No. 8 seed Connecticut, or No. 9 seed Oklahoma. The Gators have struggled against Connecticut but recently beat Oklahoma earlier this season.

Overall, Florida’s performance demonstrated their strength and potential as they aim for the Final Four. This win not only boosts team morale but also sends a clear message to their future opponents.

Source link