“First ever NCAA tournament victory for @HUMensBB 👏” tweeted CBS Sports College Basketball, capturing the excitement of Howard’s historic win over UMBC in the NCAA Tournament First Four matchup held at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio on March 17, 2026.
In a closely contested game, Howard emerged victorious with a final score of 86-83. Ose Okojie led the way for Howard, scoring 23 points, while Bryce Harris contributed 19 points to secure the win. UMBC’s Jah’Likai King also had a strong performance, leading his team with 19 points, but it was not enough to overcome Howard’s offensive surge.
The game was particularly significant for Howard, marking their return to the NCAA Tournament’s main draw for the first time since 2023. The victory not only signifies a milestone for the program but also sets them up for a challenging first-round matchup against Michigan.
Prior to the game, UMBC was considered one of the hottest teams in the country, having won 12 consecutive games by an average of 16.8 points. ESPN had given them a 55.9% chance to beat Howard, and the point spread favored UMBC by 1.5 points. However, the momentum shifted as Howard took control in the final moments.
DJ Armstrong Jr. had a chance to send the game into overtime with a three-pointer at the buzzer, but his shot fell short, sealing UMBC’s fate. This loss marks a disappointing continuation for UMBC, who has not advanced past the opening round of the NCAA Tournament since their historic upset in 2018.
As the game concluded, Howard celebrated their first NCAA tournament victory, a moment that will be remembered in their program’s history. The team will now prepare to face Michigan, looking to build on their momentum from this victory.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this loss for UMBC’s future, but the team will need to regroup and reflect on their season as they look ahead to next year.
