UMBC RETRIEVERS, HOWARD BISON SET FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT CLASH IN DAYTON

DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — Two surging teams riding lengthy winning streaks will meet Tuesday when the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers face the Howard Bison in a First Four game of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

The Retrievers (24-8), the visiting team, enter on a 10-game winning streak, last falling on Jan. 31. Their most recent victory was a 74-59 win over Vermont on Saturday to secure their tournament berth. UMBC has dominated during its run, winning those 10 games by an average margin of 17.6 points.

Howard (23-10), the home team, carries a nine-game winning streak into its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2023. The Bison claimed the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference automatic bid with a 70-63 victory over North Carolina Central on Saturday. They have been equally formidable, with their average victory margin during the streak at 19.2 points.

The matchup features two of the nation’s hottest guards. UMBC is led by dynamic scorer DJ Armstrong, who erupted for 33 points in the conference title game. Over the last eight games, Armstrong has averaged 12.8 points, spearheading a balanced Retrievers attack.

Howard counters with guard Ose Okojie, a consistent offensive force who has scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games, averaging 14.5 points during the Bison’s winning streak. His backcourt mate, Cam Gillus, also scored 14 points in the MEAC championship.

UMBC’s recent success has been built on stifling defense, holding opponents to an average of 63.1 points during its streak. Howard boasts a high-powered offense that has scored 84 or more points in five of its last nine games.

The winner at UD Arena will advance to the round of 64 in the Midwest Region. The game is scheduled for a 9:10 p.m. EDT tip-off Tuesday, March 17, 2026.