Howard picks up historic NCAA Tournament win over giant slayers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It’s a game of inches.
In their return to the NCAA Tournament in nearly a decade, the former giant-slayer, UMBC, attempted to create their history as they took on the Howard University Bisons in the first game of the tournament. In a battle of Baltimore vs PG this game did little to disappoint.
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As the game began the Retrievers had a hard time getting things going. The inclement weather that delayed their arrival over 24 hours proved to be an issue early on. The Retrievers were dominated in the first half on the offensive glass that led to 22 points in the paint. Howard out rebounded UMBC 21-14 as both teams struggled shooting from the field. Jose Roberto Tanchyn kept the game within reach hitting some crucial threes.
Howard continued the pressure with full court press which caused three turnovers and erratic play. Foul trouble also created problems that led to a bloated deficit as Howard led by as many as 13 in the first half with the Retrievers amassing eight fouls as a team. The Bisons Ose Okojie led the charge scoring 12 of his 23 points in the first half. UMBC cut the lead to eight on a last second layup to close out the half.
The second half seemed to show the same results as the Bisons continued to bully their way in the paint pushing their lead back up to 14. The Retrievers went on a 6-0 run as the defense that led to a 12-0 winning streak finally made an appearance and aided in the resurgence.
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UMBC continued to evaporate the Bison lead until a crucial three by Okioje ballooned the lead back up to double digits. As time dwindled down UMBC made a late push as the Bisons missed crucial free throws.
Down three with five seconds left, Armstrong, who had the hot hand, launched a three that hit the side of the rim. Armstrong and King led the team combining for 36 points. Caden Diggs chipped in with 15 points. Howard wins their first NCAA Tournament game and looks ahead as they prepare to take on the No. 1 seeded Michigan Wolverines.
