WATCH: Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones reminds reporters that good teams win but great teams cover after 26-point loss to Florida

Earlier this week, Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones was clearly annoyed when he found out his team was nearly a 30-point underdog against Florida.

“Are we that bad?” he said. “I’m a little angry… and I think the players play better when they’re angry.”

Robert Jones and Norfolk State Were Right

Sure, Florida’s loaded. Sure, the Gators are a legit tournament contender with NBA-caliber talent. And yes, it did look like a blowout was coming early. But right before halftime, Norfolk flipped the script with an 11-0 run, and by the time the dust settled, they’d lost by only 26.

Vegas said 28.5. Norfolk covered. Everybody wins.

Norfolk State closes first half on 11-0 run:

Norfolk State is HEATING UP🔥

They end the half on an 11-0 run 📈#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/rwPIBhIoVk

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2025

Robert Jones Deserves Better (Including a Job Upgrade)

Jones has been phenomenal at Norfolk State. Since taking over in 2013, he’s turned the program into a perennial MEAC contender. He’s already pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history back in 2012 (over Missouri), and while this team didn’t have the same magic, they weren’t nearly as overmatched as the spread suggested.

And now that Ryan Odom is headed to UVA, the VCU job is open, and Robert Jones better be getting some calls. He’s a high-level coach who knows how to win with less. Imagine what he could do in the A-10 with actual resources and recruiting power behind him.

Jones Cracked a Joke and Got Left Hanging

After the game, Jones even lightened the mood with a one-liner about beating the spread. It was dry, it was subtle, it was exactly the kind of line that deserved something—a chuckle, a smirk, anything. But what did the media room give him?

Crickets.

Robert Jones was right:

Norfolk State coach Robert Jones said this week he was angry about the big point spread vs. No. 1 seed Florida in Round 1.

After losing by 26 (and covering the spread), he led with this zing to open his postgame presser: pic.twitter.com/Pgeja1LVnK

— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 22, 2025

That’s cold, man. The dude just went up against one of the most dangerous teams in the country, made it respectable, and then tried to toss in a little humor, only for the room full of press pass holders to leave him on read.

Look, I know most media rooms are filled with serious, stat-grinding, non-reactionary writers. But give the man a laugh. He earned it.

Moral Victory? Maybe. Certified Cover Kings? Absolutely.

Florida dropped 91. Norfolk didn’t fold. They didn’t get run out of the gym. They battled. And more importantly, they made every bettor who blindly took them +28.5 a little richer.

Robert Jones wasn’t being cocky when he questioned the line — he just knows his team. And they proved him right. So while Florida moves on and Norfolk heads home, let’s remember that March Madness is not if you win or lose. It’s if you cover the spread.

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