Howard Bison Earn First-Ever March Madness Win

Head coach Kenny Blakeney celebrates historic victory for Howard program.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:26am

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The 16th-seeded Howard Bison defeated the UMBC Retrievers 86-83 in the First Four round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, earning the program's first-ever March Madness win. Howard senior guard Ose Okojie led the way with a career-high 23 points, while teammate Bryce Harris added 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Head coach Kenny Blakeney, a former Duke player, praised his team's performance and the significance of the historic victory for the Howard community.

Why it matters

This win marks a major milestone for the Howard basketball program, which had previously made two NCAA Tournament appearances but failed to win a game. The Bison's triumph over UMBC showcases the growth and potential of the team, and provides a memorable moment for the Howard community that has long awaited this historic achievement.

The details

In a close contest, the Howard Bison were able to outlast the UMBC Retrievers 86-83 to earn their first-ever March Madness victory. Senior guard Ose Okojie led the way for Howard with a career-high 23 points, while fellow senior Bryce Harris added 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, including a clutch jumper in the final seconds to seal the win.

  • The game was played on March 17, 2026 in the First Four round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Kenny Blakeney

The 54-year-old head coach of the Howard Bison, who played college basketball at Duke University.

Ose Okojie

A senior guard for the Howard Bison who scored a career-high 23 points in the historic win.

Bryce Harris

A senior guard for the Howard Bison who contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, including a clutch jumper in the final seconds to secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so proud of these guys because it's not about me. It's about Howard, and it's about their student experience. These guys are gonna remember this as I will for the rest of my life. And so with a Howard community. It's part of what makes this group so special that they understand this moment and they really embraced it.”

— Kenny Blakeney, Head Coach, Howard Bison

What’s next

The Howard Bison will next face the No. 1 seed and reigning Big Ten champions, the Michigan Wolverines, in the first round on Thursday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

The takeaway

This historic win for the Howard Bison basketball program represents a significant milestone, not just for the team, but for the entire Howard community. After previous tournament appearances that ended in defeat, the Bison's triumph over UMBC showcases the growth and potential of the program, and provides a memorable moment that will be cherished by players, coaches and fans alike.