Image via WTOP News
The Howard Bison held off a furious late rally from UMBC to secure an 86-83 victory in the NCAA First Four, marking the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
UMBC jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead, but Howard responded with a 9-0 run to take control early. The Retrievers tied the game at 11 following a three-pointer from DJ Armstrong at the 14:35 mark, but the Bison answered with an 8-0 spurt to go up 19-11.
UMBC continued to chip away, cutting the deficit to 31-30 on a layup by Cougar Downing. Once again, Howard responded—this time with a 12-0 run to push the lead to 43-30. A late basket by Downing trimmed the deficit to 49-41 heading into halftime.
Howard maintained control for much of the second half, stretching the lead to as much as 14 points at 66-52 after a three-pointer from Alex Cotton with 14:52 remaining.
Each time UMBC made a push, Howard delivered timely baskets to keep the Retrievers at bay. Still, UMBC had one final surge, capitalizing on missed free throws to cut the deficit to 83-81 after another Armstrong three with 43 seconds left.
That’s when MEAC Player of the Year Bryce Harris delivered the biggest shot of the night—a turnaround jumper to extend the lead to 85-81 with just 13 seconds remaining.
After Jah’Lika King answered with a layup to make it 85-83, Isaiah Brown split a pair of free throws to push the lead to 86-83. UMBC’s final three-point attempt missed, sealing the historic win for the Bison.
Ose Okojie led Howard with 23 points, one of four players in double figures. Harris added a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Cedric Taylor III scored 16 and Travelle Bryson chipped in 11.
Howard advances to face the No.1 seed Michigan Wolverines on Thursday.
