UMBC vs Howard Prediction 3/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a UMBC vs Howard Prediction for this Midwest Region First Four matchup on Tuesday, March 17th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Howard Bison Preview

The Howard Bison have a 23-10 overall record and an 11-3 record in the MEAC conference. They are coming off a 70-63 win against North Carolina Central and their previous three games were a 78-61 win against South Carolina State, an 84-76 road win against Norfolk State and a 90-70 win against Coppin State.

Offensively, Howard averages 77.5 points per game, while allowing 68.9 points per game defensively. The Bison shoot with 46% from the field and grab 36.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.2 assists per game. They average 3.7 blocks per game and 8.7 steals per game defensively.

Bryce Harris leads Howard in scoring, with an average of 17.1 points per game, while shooting with 48.4% from the field and 77.9% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 6.9 rebounds. Cam Gillus leads the team in assists with 4.6 per game.

UMBC Retrievers Preview

The UMBC Retrievers have a 24-8 overall record and a 14-2 record in the America East conference. They are coming off a 74-59 win against Vermont and their previous three games were a 91-69 win against UMass Lowell, an 84-69 win against New Hampshire and a 91-52 road win against NJIT.

Offensively, UMBC averages 76.2 points per game, while allowing 69.4 points per game defensively. The Retrievers shoot with 47% from the field and grab 35.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 12.2 assists per game. They average 2.6 blocks per game and 5 steals per game defensively.

Jah’Likai King leads UMBC in scoring, with an average of 13.9 points per game, while shooting with 41.5% from the field and 82.8% from the free throw line. Jose Roberto Tanchyn is the team’s leading rebounder with 5.7 per game. Ace Valentine leads the team in assists with 4 per game.

UMBC Retrievers @ Howard Bison Betting Trends: March 17, 2026

Why the Howard Bison will win

• Howard has won each of its last eight games.
• UMBC has lost 12 of its last 15 night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Howard has won the first half in 14 of its last 16 games.

Why the UMBC Retrievers will win

• UMBC has won each of its last 12 games.
• Howard has lost 13 of its last 17 night games against non-Conference opponents.
• UMBC has won the first half in each of its last six games.

Total Points Facts

• Eleven of UMBC’s last 12 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Four of Howard’s last five night games have produced a total of 150+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Howard ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.70).
• Howard ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.6).
• UMBC ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.0).
• UMBC ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.3).

UMBC vs Howard Prediction

In this UMBC vs Howard Prediction, Howard is coming as -1.5 favorites. Both teams have been excellent this season and Howard has been even better against the spread, with a 21-8 ATS record. Both are coming into this matchup red-hot, with a 9-1 and 10-0 record in their last 10 games respectively and this will be their first meeting this season. They both rank on the top-70 of the nation defensively and they both were 3-1 to the under in their four tournament games this season. Take the under 141.5 points in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Under 141.5