The Howard Bison men’s basketball made history Tuesday night, defeating the UMBC Retrievers men’s basketball 86–83 in the First Four to secure the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.
Howard controlled the game from the start, leading 49–41 at halftime and holding the advantage for nearly the entire contest.
The Bison led for 93% of the game and built a second-half lead as large as 14 points, but UMBC refused to go away, cutting the deficit to a single possession in the closing seconds.
The Retrievers had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but a contested 3-point attempt fell short, sealing the historic win for Howard.
Ose Okojie led all scorers with 23 points, overcoming early second-half foul trouble to remain a steady presence down the stretch.
MEAC Player of the Year Bryce Harris recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, delivering one of the game’s biggest moments with a turnaround midrange jumper with 13 seconds remaining to extend Howard’s lead to two possessions.
“Osi and I both got hurt last season against UMBC, and now we just won our first tournament game against the same team,” Harris said. “It’s really just a full circle moment.”
Howard’s offense was orchestrated by Cam Gillus, who finished with seven assists, while Cedric Taylor added 16 points and went 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, converting crucial attempts late. Travelle Bryson provided a spark off the bench with 11 points in just 10 minutes on efficient shooting.
As a team, Howard shot 10-for-21 from beyond the arc and controlled the glass, creating key second-chance opportunities. Both teams finished with 29 field goals, but Howard’s extra shot attempts and efficiency from the perimeter proved to be the difference.
UMBC shot over 50% from the field and stayed within striking distance throughout, but struggled to complete the comeback in the final moments.
“We’ve been in games like this before, and we practiced for late-game situations like these,” Okojie said. “On the big stage, there’s no time for fear or worry. We trust in our coach, our game plan, and in each other.”
The win marks a breakthrough moment for a Howard program that previously fell in the First Four in 2021 and the first round in 2023.
With the victory, Howard advances to face No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball in the first round, carrying both momentum and history into its next matchup.
Grant Roundtree and William Armstead are sports reporters for HUNewsService.com.
