Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Howard vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Bison make the NCAA Tournament for the third time this decade.
- The Wolverines seek to make a national championship run this season.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between these two squads.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is set to keep progress through the first round as a matchup between the Howard Bison and the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines will commence. The latter stands out as the dominant favorite, displaying an entertaining showdown to see who advances to the Round of 32.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, March 19, 7:10 pm ET
- Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York
- How to Watch: CBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | -107 | +30 | O151 |
| Michigan | -113 | -30 | U151 |
Game Preview
The Bison (24-10) made history in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, getting past UMBC in the First Four to reach the Round of 64. The win gives the Bison their first-ever NCAA Tournament win in school history. Ose Okojie scored a career-high 23 points to lead four Bison in double-digits in the scoring department. Bryce Harris recorded a double-double (19 points & 14 rebounds) and five assists. Cedric Taylor III, First Team All-MEAC selection, chipped in with 15 points and six rebounds.
Dusty May and the Wolverines (31-3) lost to Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game, looking to get back on the win column in this matchup. Michigan ranks second in field goal defense (38-percent); fifth in both assists (18.5) and blocks (5.9); eighth field goal shooting (51-percent) and rebounding margin and 11th in scoring (86.8 ppg). Elliott Cadeau ranks 35th in the nation in assists (5.6). Four of the Michigan starters average in double figures: Lendeborg (14.6); Morez Johnson (13.1); Aday Mara (11.6) and Elliott Cadeau (10.2). Lendeborg won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award, Mara won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, while May earned the Coach of the Year Award this season.
Howard vs Michigan Head-to-Head
The two programs have had one meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Wolverines. The last matchup was in November 2016 when Michigan won 76-58 at home.
Howard vs Michigan Predictions
The winner advances to the Round of 32 where they will take on the winner between No. 8 Georgia or No. 9 Saint Louis. Howard achieved an important feat in program history with their first NCAA Tournament win over UMBC. However, their run might come to an end once they face Michigan, an elite squad that will stop at nothing to make their run to the national championship. Our betting pick here is the Wolverines to defend a 30-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Michigan Wolverines -30
NCAAB
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