Howard Aims to Upset Top-Seeded Michigan in NCAA Tournament Opener

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Howard team faces its toughest test of the season when the 13th-seeded Bison meet the fourth-seeded and fourth-ranked Michigan Wolverines in a first-round men’s NCAA Tournament game Thursday at KeyBank Center.

Howard (24-10) enters on a seven-game winning streak, including a 86-83 victory over Maryland-Baltimore County on Tuesday to secure its tournament berth. The Bison, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, are making their second tournament appearance in four years.

Michigan (31-3), the Big Ten regular-season champion, is among the national title favorites but looks to rebound from a 80-72 loss to Purdue in the conference tournament final on Sunday. The Wolverines’ only other losses this season came against then-Duke and at Purdue in January.

The matchup features a compelling contrast in styles and star power. Howard is led by dynamic guard Bryce Harris, who averaged 16.4 points during the team’s winning streak. He scored 19 points and dished five assists in the play-in victory.

Michigan counters with versatile forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a consistent force who scored 20 points against Purdue and averaged 15.1 points over his last eight games. His ability to score, rebound and facilitate from the frontcourt is central to the Wolverines’ attack.

Howard’s offense runs through Harris, Ose Okojie (23 points Tuesday) and Cedric Taylor (16 points Tuesday). The Bison have scored 84 or more points in five of their last seven games.

Michigan boasts a balanced and efficient offense, with Lendeborg supported by guard Elliot Cadeau, who had a double-double (10 points, 10 assists) in the Purdue loss, and center Aday Mara.

The Bison will need exceptional perimeter shooting and ball security to counteract Michigan’s size and defensive discipline. The Wolverines, who went 16-1 against tournament teams this season, are heavily favored but must avoid looking past a confident Howard squad playing with house money.

Thursday’s winner will advance to face either fifth-seeded Alabama or 12th-seeded College of Charleston in the second round on Saturday.