UMBC Retrievers defeat Howard Bison in First Four matchup

The Retrievers advance to the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:51pm

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The UMBC Retrievers defeated the Howard Bison in their First Four matchup, securing a spot in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams showcasing their skills on the court.

Why it matters

This victory is significant for the UMBC Retrievers, as they look to build on their recent success and make a deep run in the tournament. The First Four matchup provided an early test for both teams, setting the stage for the remainder of the tournament.

The details

The Retrievers were led by a strong performance from their starting lineup, with several players contributing key points and rebounds throughout the game. The Bison fought hard but ultimately fell short, unable to overcome the Retrievers' balanced attack.

  • The game was played on March 17, 2026.

The players

UMBC Retrievers

The UMBC Retrievers are the athletic teams of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a public research university located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Howard Bison

The Howard Bison are the athletic teams of Howard University, a private research university in Washington, D.C.

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What’s next

The UMBC Retrievers will now advance to the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, where they will face a higher-seeded opponent.

The takeaway

The UMBC Retrievers' victory in the First Four matchup demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level and sets the stage for a potentially exciting tournament run.