UMBC Trolls Steelers Amid First Four Delay Before NCAA Tournament

The Retrievers faced travel issues but still made it to Dayton for their First Four matchup.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:10pm

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The UMBC Retrievers, who made history in 2018 as the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, faced a travel delay ahead of their First Four game in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Despite the setback, the team was able to make it to Dayton, Ohio, in time for their matchup against the Howard Bison. UMBC took to social media to troll an online critic who suggested they should give up their tournament spot, referencing the recent struggles of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why it matters

UMBC's 2018 upset of Virginia was one of the biggest Cinderella stories in NCAA Tournament history. The Retrievers' return to the Big Dance this year, despite travel issues, shows their resilience and determination to make another deep run. The social media exchange also highlights the passion and competitiveness of college basketball fans and teams.

The details

UMBC's First Four game against Howard was delayed due to a flight issue, but the team was able to arrive in Dayton in time for the 6:40 p.m. ET tipoff. An online critic had suggested UMBC should give up their tournament spot, but the team's official Twitter account fired back, trolling the critic by referencing the recent struggles of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. UMBC is led by a trio of guards, including scoring leader Jah'Likai King, and are looking to pull off another upset as a No. 16 seed if they can get past Howard.

  • UMBC's First Four game against Howard is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:40 p.m. ET.
  • UMBC made history in 2018 as the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, upsetting Virginia 74-54 in the first round.

The players

UMBC Retrievers

The UMBC Retrievers are a NCAA Division I basketball team that plays in the America East Conference. They are making their second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

Jah'Likai King

The leading scorer for the UMBC Retrievers, averaging 13.9 points per game.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, who have struggled in the postseason in recent years, were referenced by UMBC in their social media response to a critic.

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What they’re saying

“Well, we earned the right be in the tournament by recently winning (multiple) playoff game(s.) We understand that may be an unfamiliar concept due to the pro football team in Pittsburgh you support.”

— UMBC Athletics X

What’s next

If UMBC defeats Howard in the First Four, they will face the No. 1 seed Michigan in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

UMBC's resilience in the face of travel issues and their willingness to engage in some good-natured trash talk shows the competitive spirit that makes the NCAA Tournament so exciting. The Retrievers' historic 2018 upset proves they have what it takes to pull off another Cinderella run, if they can get past Howard in the First Four.