NORFOLK, Va. –  The Norfolk State men's basketball team has received the No. 16 seed in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, facing No. 1 seed Florida on Friday, Mar. 21. In the event's first round.
 
The NCAA Tournament selection committee revealed the full bracket during the official selection show on CBS, with Norfolk State winding up in the West region. The Spartans (24-10, 11-3 MEAC) and Gators (30-4 14-4 SEC) will square off at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
 
Norfolk State earned its fourth-ever MEAC Tournament title on Saturday with a thrilling 66-65 victory over South Carolina State, rallying from a nine-point halftime deficit. Brian Moore Jr. earned the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award, while head coach Robert Jones was named the MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Coach.
 
Florida enters March Madness as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a six-game win streak. The Gators took down Tennessee 86-77 in the SEC Tournament championship on Saturday, led by 22 points and five rebounds from senior guard Walter Clayton Jr.
 
Friday's gametime is to be determined. The matchup will mark the Spartans' second NCAA Tournament meeting with Florida, falling 84-50 in the Round of 32 during the 2011-12 season.
 
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