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Michigan Survives Howard's Three-Point Barrage in NCAA Tourney Win
Wolverines coach Dusty May breaks down defensive adjustments to contain Bison's hot shooting
Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:19am
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The Michigan Wolverines held off a first-half surge from Howard, who hit 10 three-pointers before halftime, to win their NCAA Tournament opener 101-80. Michigan head coach Dusty May discussed the defensive issues that allowed Howard's hot shooting early and the adjustments the team made to pull away in the second half.
Why it matters
As a No. 1 seed, Michigan was expected to cruise past the lower-seeded Bison, but Howard's three-point barrage in the first half highlighted the potential for upsets in the NCAA Tournament. May's ability to diagnose the defensive problems and make the necessary changes was crucial in Michigan avoiding an early exit.
The details
Michigan led 50-46 at halftime despite Howard's 10-for-16 shooting from three-point range in the first half. May said the Wolverines struggled with transition defense and getting proper matchups, allowing Howard's shooters to get open looks. In the second half, Michigan tightened up defensively, limiting Howard to just 4-for-13 from deep, while the Wolverines' offense continued to roll to the 21-point victory.
- The game was played on March 20, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
The players
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who diagnosed the defensive issues that allowed Howard's hot shooting in the first half and made the necessary adjustments to pull away in the second half.
Aday
A Howard player whose instinct to protect the rim left him vulnerable to Howard's three-point shooters in the first half, according to May.
What they’re saying
“There were a couple of botched switches. A few of them were us, our transition defense, we weren't getting good matchups. And so they had... Aday and his instincts are to protect the rim, and they're going at him with a head of steam, and they're making stepback threes, and they're making difficult shots. They have really good individual players and shot creators. They were making them.”
— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines
“I don't think Duke looked like they overlooked Siena. Siena was good. They were making tough shots. But I do think Duke responded the right way, with high-level maturity. It wasn't as if when they got down 13, they started playing one-on-one or trying to do it themselves. They picked up their defense, they made some hustle plays, and then that looked like it energized the group.”
— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines
What’s next
Michigan will face the Saint Louis Billikens in the Round of 32 on March 22, 2026 at 12:10 PM on CBS.
The takeaway
This game highlighted the potential for upsets in the NCAA Tournament, as a No. 1 seed like Michigan can be challenged by a lower-seeded opponent that gets hot from three-point range. However, the Wolverines' ability to make defensive adjustments and lean on their offense to pull away shows the importance of maintaining composure and discipline when facing adversity in the Big Dance.
