NET Gap Favors Howard

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers and the Howard University Bison engaged in a tightly contested matchup, with Howard ultimately emerging victorious by a margin of three points, 86-83. The Bison held a significant advantage at the halftime break, leading UMBC 49-41, but the Retrievers narrowed the gap in the second half, outscoring Howard 42-37. Despite this late surge, UMBC was unable to overcome the deficit, falling just short in the end.

The final margin of three points underscores the competitive nature of this contest, with the outcome hinging on a possession or two. Howard, ranked 203 in the NET rankings, managed to outlast UMBC, ranked 196, in a game where the Bison's strong first-half performance ultimately proved decisive. The Retrievers' inability to overcome the early deficit, despite a stronger second-half showing, was the difference in this closely contested affair.

A 29-point, 10-rebound performance was not the story of the night, as Ose Okojie's 23 points and 5 rebounds helped propel Howard to victory. His 9-15 shooting from the field, including 3-3 from beyond the arc, proved efficient in the team's winning effort. With the game on the line, Bryce Harris's all-around skills were on full display, as his 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists made a significant impact on the outcome.

The freshman standout Cedric Taylor III chipped in with 16 points and 6 rebounds, with his 9-10 mark from the free throw line being a notable aspect of his game. Erupting for 19 points was not the only contribution from Harris, as his 14 rebounds led the team and his 5 assists showcased his ability to create for teammates. In a game where every point mattered, Okojie's 3-3 shooting from three-point range and Harris's 3-4 mark from beyond the arc were crucial in securing the 86-83 win for Howard.

Finishing with 19 points on 7-15 shooting from Jah'Likai King wasn't enough to keep UMBC in it, as his scoring efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Howard's balanced attack. His 2 assists and 1 block were notable, but the team's overall struggles on defense limited the impact of his individual performance. The team's leading scorer, King, was efficient from the free throw line, converting 3 of his 4 attempts, but it was not enough to make a significant difference in the outcome.

Despite the loss, DJ Armstrong Jr.'s 17 points and 6 rebounds were a bright spot for UMBC, with his 3-8 shooting from beyond the arc being a key factor in his scoring total. Caden Diggs's 15 points and 8 rebounds were also notable, as he finished with the team's highest rebounding total, but his 0-2 shooting from 3-point range limited his overall effectiveness. His 6-11 shooting from the field was a positive, but it was not enough to overcome the team's overall struggles.

Beyond the standout performances, the remaining players for both teams largely conformed to their established seasonal trends.

The pre-game prediction proved to be incorrect, as Howard emerged victorious by a margin of 3 points, defying the expected outcome of a UMBC win by 3.6 points. This discrepancy suggests that the model underestimated Howard's ability to perform above their season averages, particularly in key areas that ultimately decided the game. The actual result highlights the unpredictability of college basketball, where teams can exceed expectations and upset favored opponents.

A closer examination of the team statistics reveals that Howard's exceptional shooting performance, particularly from beyond the arc, was a crucial factor in their victory. Their 47.6% three-point shooting percentage significantly exceeded their season average, indicating a level of proficiency that UMBC struggled to counter. Additionally, Howard's ability to secure offensive rebounds at a higher rate than their season average, coupled with UMBC's below-average performance in this area, likely contributed to Howard's ability to maintain a competitive edge and ultimately secure the win. These factors, rather than individual player performances, were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the game.

The outcome of this game has significant implications for both teams' postseason positioning, particularly in their respective conference tournaments. For Howard, the win bolsters their chances of securing a high seed in the MEAC tournament, where they will need to navigate a single-elimination bracket to earn the conference's automatic bid. Meanwhile, UMBC's loss may drop them in the America East standings, potentially altering their seeding and path to the conference championship. Considering their Quad 3 win over a Quad 4 opponent, Howard's program trajectory appears to be trending upward, albeit with limited opportunities to prove themselves against stronger opponents. With neither team having a realistic shot at an at-large bid, their focus remains fixed on conference tournament success, and in this context, Howard's victory has given them a crucial boost, while UMBC's loss serves as a stark reminder that even a single misstep can have far-reaching consequences in the ultra-competitive world of mid-major basketball, where a team's entire season can hinge on a single week in March.