Expert prediction
NCAA First Four: UMBC vs Howard Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Retrievers are rolling with a 12-game win streak.
- The Bison reach the NCAA Tournament for the third time this decade.
- This marks the 56th all-time matchup between these two Am. East squads.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is set to go underway with the First Four round starting March 17 with a matchup between the UMBC Retrievers and the Howard Bison. The former stands out as the slight favorite, paving the way for an entertaining showdown to see who advances to the Round of 64.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 17, 6:40 pm ET
- Where: UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio
- How to Watch: truTV
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMBC | -110 | -1.5 | O140.5 |
| Howard | -110 | +1.5 | U140.5 |
Game Preview
The Retrievers (24-8) are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, the same year they stunned 1-seed Virginia in the first round. They are riding high with a 12-game winning streak, cruising to the America East Championship after beating Vermont in a convincing 74-59 victory. DJ Armstrong Jr., the America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, scored a career-high 33 points on 9-11 shooting, including 20 second-half points to lead the Retrievers to the title and the NCAA Tournament berth.
The Bison (23-10) continue to be present in the NCAA Tournament throughout the 2020s, punching their third ticket and counting. They took home the MEAC Championship after taking down North Carolina Central in the final. They are tied for 10th in turnovers forced per game; tied for 20th in in free throws made; 16th in free throw attempts per game (25.5); 27th in steals per game; 38th in field goal defense (67.0 ppg); 38th in fast break points and scoring defense (67.0 ppg). The team also has balanced scoring with Bryce Harris and Cedric Taylor III both averaging 17 points per game.
UMBC vs Howard Head-to-Head
The two programs have had three meetings in their history, and the result is 2-1 for the Bison. The last matchup was in November 2024 when Howard won 103-93 at home.
UMBC vs Howard Predictions
Both teams will duke it out in the First Four for the right to play 1-seed Michigan in the Round of 64. UMBC is back in motion following its drought post-2018, trying to reignite that spark that had them make history that year. As for Howard, they look to evade a second consecutive exit in this round after losing to Wagner in 2024. Either way, March Madness has arrived and basketball fans will look forward to this duel. Our betting pick here is the Retrievers to defend a 1.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: UMBC Retrievers -1.5
NCAAB
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