Howard Holds Off UMBC for First NCAA Tournament Win, Will Face Michigan

Photo Credits: Mecie Gold

Howard defeated UMBC 86-83 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament. After UMBC’s late surge closed the gap in the final minutes, Howard secured crucial free throws and advanced to face Michigan on Thursday at 7:10. 

Both teams entered the tournament as conference champions, with UMBC riding a 12-game winning streak and Howard winning eight straight. UMBC was making its 3rd NCAA Tournament appearance, while Howard was making its 5th. However, Howard was seeking their first NCAA tournament win, setting up a matchup between two teams on winning streaks.

UMBC jumped out to a 4-0 start, led by Jah’Likai King, his first point in two games. Valentine added a 3-pointer off an assist from Odunowo.

Howard built momentum behind Bryce Harris, who averaged 17.1 points per game, and Cedric Taylor III, taking a 49–41 lead into halftime. Howard controlled the boards 21–14 and held a 22–16 edge in points in the paint, while shooting 16-for-31 from the field compared to 15-for-31 for UMBC.

At halftime, DJ Armstrong Jr said, “I feel like there were a couple of times where we were a little late on the rotation, I think, if we put that together, we’ll be good in the second half.” He was then asked about the message within the team. Armstrong answered, “Just be us. You know. We’ve gotten here doing exactly what we’ve done for the whole season, the whole year.”

At the start of the second half, Howard applied full-court pressure, forcing UMBC turnovers and extending its lead to 14 points, the largest of the game. During this stretch, UMBC struggled with rim protection, allowing Howard to capitalize on easy baskets.

Foul trouble also played a role, as Cedric Taylor III picked up his fourth foul and eventually fouled out with 16 points.

UMBC cut the deficit to two points, 83-81, after DJ Armstrong Jr’s 3-pointer, but Howard held on after making extra free throws to close out the game.

Statistically, the game remained close. UMBC shot 52% from the field compared to 48% for Howard, while Howard held a rebounding edge, 38-32. Howard also shot 48% from three-point range compared to 41% for UMBC.

UMBC fell short despite a late rally and efficient shooting performance.

After The Game

After the game, Howard’s coach Kenneth Blakeney said, “I’m so proud of these guys because it’s not about me, it’s about Howard, and it’s about their student experience. These guys are going to remember this as I will for the rest of my life, and so will the Howard community.” 

When asked about how proud he is of the culture he’s built at Howard, Blakeney responded, “Well, I’m more proud that you know, Dr. Wayne Frederick gave me an opportunity, Mr. Kery Davis, our AD, I had an unconditional resume, and they allowed me to come in. But these guys have really embraced what we’re about and what Howard’s about.”

With the win, Howard advances to face Michigan on Thursday at 7:10, earning its first NCAA Tournament victory in program history