The wider picture
In a remarkable achievement for Howard University, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams captured MEAC Tournament championships in 2026. The men’s team secured their title with a 70-63 victory over the North Carolina Central Eagles, while the women’s team achieved the highest ranking in university history as a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This success marks a significant milestone for the Bison, showcasing their growth and competitiveness in collegiate basketball.
The men’s team, now a No. 16 seed, will face the UMBC Retrievers, who recently won the American East title against the University of Vermont with a score of 74-59. The Bison have been on a hot streak, winning eight straight games leading up to this matchup. In contrast, UMBC has been even more dominant, boasting a twelve-game winning streak. The tipoff for this highly anticipated game is set for 6:40 p.m. ET at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
As the teams prepare for their clash, UMBC enters the game as a 1.5-point favorite, indicating a closely contested matchup. The over/under for total points scored is set at 140.5, reflecting the expected offensive capabilities of both teams. Historically, Howard holds a slight edge in their all-time series against UMBC, leading 5-2, which adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming game.
Kery Davis, the athletic director at Howard, expressed pride in the achievements of both teams, stating, “These remarkable achievements reflect the discipline and teamwork that can be seen throughout all of our athletic programs.” This sentiment underscores the broader impact of these victories beyond just the basketball court, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence in athletics.
In addition to their men’s team, the women’s team has also made headlines with their performance this season. Their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. Winning conference championships and advancing to the NCAA Tournament is a milestone achievement for any program, and Howard’s success is a reflection of the growing competitiveness of their basketball programs.
As both teams gear up for their respective NCAA Tournament games, observers are keenly watching how they will perform on the national stage. The men’s game will air on TruTV, providing fans an opportunity to support the Bison as they aim for victory. The excitement surrounding these games is palpable, as Howard’s basketball programs look to make a lasting impression in the tournament.
With the momentum from their recent successes, both teams are poised to make significant impacts in the NCAA Tournament. The Over hit in the last meeting between the teams, and analysts project that the Retrievers will have four players scoring 10.3 points or more, including Jah’Likai King, who is projected to score 14.3 points. As the tournament unfolds, the Bison will look to leverage their recent form and historical advantage against UMBC to advance further in the competition.
