Howard Bison guard Ose Okojie dribbles defended by UMBC Retrievers guard Jah'likai King. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Howard survives late UMBC rally for first NCAA Tournament win

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 10:04 PM ET

Tuesday's First Four battle between 16-seeds Howard and UMBC was all you could ask for in an NCAA Tournament game, even if it was for the right to face No. 1-seed Michigan in the first round on Thursday.

Even though they blew an 83-72 lead with 2:23 remaining, the Bison escaped with the 86-83 win after UMBC missed the game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

This is Howard's third appearance in the Big Dance in the last four seasons, but Tuesday marked its first NCAA Tournament win in program history.

Howard spoils UMBC's NCAA Tournament return in thrilling First Four game

While Howard had never won a game in the Big Dance until Tuesday, UMBC was making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since it shockingly became the first 16-seed to defeat a one-seed when it took down Virginia in 2018.

The Retrievers nearly completed the 14-point comeback, but it was Howard standing tall in a game that was everything you would expect from March Madness.

Howard survives to win its FIRST ever NCAA tournament game #MarchMadness @HUMensBB pic.twitter.com/fBwVh7RF5l
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2026

Senior guard Ose Okojie, who came into the game averaging 10.5 points per game, led both teams in scoring with 23 points (9-of-15 FG). That type of performance is exactly what March is about when seasons are on the line and the stakes are magnified.

UMBC entered the tournament on a 12-game winning streak and only committed the second-fewest fouls per game all season (13.2). It was a much different story against Howard as the Bison forced 20 fouls and converted 18 of their 25 free-throw attempts.

This was a change of pace for Howard as well, a team that led the MEAC in opponent points (67.8), opponent field-goal percentage (42%) and opponent three-point field-goal percentage (30%). The Bison were also 22-3 this season when allowing 72 points or fewer.

It was more about the offense on Tuesday night, and it delivered in a big way. Overall, both teams put on a terrific show and had their moment in the spotlight when they otherwise would not have without the First Four.

The complaints always center around the bubble and that at-large teams should be the only ones playing in the First Four. UMBC and Howard showed how much this means to the 16-seeds and delivered the perfect opener to the NCAA Tournament.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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