Full Breakdown
Howard University Achieves Historic NCAA Tournament Victory
3/18/2026, 9:30:42 PM
Historic Win in the First Four
On March 17, 2026, Howard University secured its first NCAA Tournament victory in program history by defeating the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) 86-83 in the First Four. The game, held in Dayton, Ohio, saw Howard's Bryce Harris contribute significantly with 19 points and 14 rebounds, including a crucial turnaround jumper with just 13 seconds remaining. Ose Okojie led the Bison with a career-high 23 points, helping the team overcome a late rally from UMBC.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Howard maintained control for most of the game, leading for all but the first 1:21. The Bison built a 13-point lead in the first half, with Okojie scoring 16 points before halftime, resulting in a 49-41 advantage at the break. However, UMBC fought back, with DJ Armstrong Jr. hitting a 3-pointer to narrow the gap to 83-81 with 43 seconds left. After Harris' jumper extended Howard's lead, Jah'Likah King responded with a layup, making it 85-83. Isaiah Brown's free throw added to the lead, and UMBC's last attempt to tie the game fell short as Armstrong missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Background and Context
This victory marks a significant milestone for Howard, a historically Black university, which had previously entered the NCAA Tournament with an 0-4 record. The Bison's head coach, Kenneth Blakeney, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We’ve done a lot of things in our program, but let’s check off the box of winning an NCAA game today.” The win also sets up a matchup against top-seeded Michigan in the Midwest Region bracket.
Challenges Faced by UMBC
UMBC's performance may have been impacted by logistical challenges, as their flight to Dayton was delayed over four hours due to severe weather, affecting their preparation. Coach Jim Ferry acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “I’m not going to blame anything, but obviously the day we had... I thought it hurt us.” Despite these challenges, UMBC sought to replicate its historic upset of Virginia in 2018, but ultimately fell short.
Official Statements & Responses
Kenneth Blakeney highlighted the significance of the win for Howard's program, while UMBC's coach Jim Ferry reflected on the team's struggles during the game. Ose Okojie emphasized the importance of discipline in managing foul trouble, stating, “My teammates need me... and trusting in my abilities.”
What's Next for Howard
Following this victory, Howard will face Michigan, a team that has been a strong contender throughout the season. The matchup presents a formidable challenge for the Bison as they aim to continue their historic run in the NCAA Tournament.
