UMBC and Howard set for high-stakes First Four showdown in March Madness

Two red-hot teams collide in Dayton with a March Madness berth on the line. UMBC's 12-game streak meets Howard's eight-game surge—only one survives.

, and ASMedia

2026 March 16 . 9:09 PM

1 min read

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UMBC and Howard set for high-stakes First Four showdown in March Madness

UMBC and Howard will clash in the First Four of March Madness on Tuesday in Dayton. Both teams enter the game in strong form, with UMBC riding a 12-game winning streak and Howard on an eight-game run of their own. The matchup marks their fifth meeting, with UMBC holding a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series.

UMBC secured their spot in the tournament by winning the America East title, defeating Vermont 74-59 in the championship game. They finished the conference season with a 14-2 record and boast an efficient offence, shooting 47.1% from the field while averaging 76.2 points per game. Their disciplined play is evident in a low turnover rate of just 9.6 per contest.

Howard, meanwhile, completed their season with a 23-10 record, including an 11-3 mark in the MEAC. They have been particularly dominant in neutral-site games, going undefeated in five such matchups. Their recent form includes eight consecutive wins, setting up a compelling showdown. Key players to watch include UMBC's DJ Armstrong Jr., the team's leading scorer, and Howard's Bryce Harris, who provides a strong interior presence and rebounding. Both players are expected to make a significant impact, with Armstrong Jr.'s scoring and Harris's rebounding highlighted as strong individual props for the game. UMBC's ability to score efficiently and limit turnovers makes their team total of over 71.5 points the clearest game-side pick. They also hold the psychological edge, having won the last meeting between the two sides 95-77.

The winner of this First Four clash will advance to the main bracket of March Madness. UMBC's offensive efficiency and recent dominance in the series could play a decisive role. Howard, however, brings momentum from their neutral-site success and an eight-game winning streak into the contest.