UMBC will play Howard in the First Four play-in game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 17, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. This matchup marks a significant moment for UMBC, which was selected as a 16-seed in the tournament after winning the America East Conference Tournament.
The winner of the UMBC vs. Howard game will advance to face No. 1 seed Michigan, adding to the stakes of this early contest. UMBC’s recent success includes a remarkable season record of 24 wins and 8 losses, with 14 of those victories coming from conference play.
D.J. Armstrong Jr., who averaged 13.2 points per game this season, was named the America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player after scoring 33 points in the championship game against Vermont, which UMBC won 74-59. Teammate Jah’Likai contributed significantly as well, averaging 13.9 points per game.
UMBC’s last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was in 2018, when they made history by becoming the first-ever 16-seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, stunning Virginia with a score of 75-54. Jarius Lyles led that historic game with 28 points, a performance that remains etched in NCAA lore.
As UMBC prepares for this year’s tournament, observers are eager to see if they can replicate their previous success. The team has shown resilience and skill throughout the season, and their performance against Howard will be closely watched.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full roster and any potential injuries leading up to the game. However, the excitement surrounding UMBC’s participation in the tournament is palpable, as fans hope for another memorable run in March Madness.
