- Matchup: Howard Bison vs Michigan Wolverines
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds: Michigan favored by 32 points
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The KeyBank Center will host the showdown between the Michigan Wolverines (31-3) and the Howard Bison (23-10) this Thursday as part of the NCAA Tournament’s first round. Howard is entering this game as substantial 32-point underdogs according to the latest odds. The combined total for the game is set at 151.5 points.
The Howard Bison secured a thrilling 86-83 victory against UMBC in their most recent contest. In that matchup, Howard demonstrated an impressive shooting performance with a field goal percentage of 47.5% (29 of 61), including 10 successful three-pointers out of 21 attempts. At the charity stripe, the Bison maintained a solid 72% by converting 18 out of 25 free throws. On the boards, Howard claimed 37 rebounds, with 11 of those coming from the offensive side, while also registering 14 assists, 9 turnovers, and 3 steals. Defensively, the Bison allowed UMBC to shoot 51.8% on 29 of 56 attempts. UMBC was able to generate 11 assists and 6 steals, while also grabbing 32 rebounds (6 offensive, 26 defensive) without any blocks. UMBC converted 66.7% from the free-throw line, going 16 for 24, and made 9 of 22 shots from beyond the arc. Both teams finished the game with 20 fouls.
Ose Okojie was a standout performer, achieving 60.0% shooting from the field but did not register any assists. He played 34 minutes and tallied 23 points, shooting 9 of 15 along with 5 rebounds.
Currently, Howard boasts a record of 23-10 for the season. They are averaging 77.5 points per game (139th in Division I) and shooting at 45.9% overall. The Bison are making 34.5% of their three-point attempts (220 of 637) and 73.1% from the free-throw line. As a unit, Howard secures 36.6 rebounds per game and has recorded a total of 535 assists this season, ranking 55th nationally for team assists. However, they average 13.5 turnovers per game and commit approximately 19.2 fouls each game.
Defensively, the Bison are forcing turnovers at a rate of 15.1 per game while averaging 19.9 personal fouls. They allow 29.9% shooting from three-point range, ranking them 40th in terms of points allowed per game (67.8). The Bison opponent shooting percentage sits at 41.8% (762 of 1,822), while they average 31.7 rebounds per game collectively. They are also 13th in Division 1 for allowing assists, conceding a total of 347 for the year.
In their last outing, the Michigan Wolverines fell to Purdue with an 80-72 defeat. The Wolverines secured 21 defensive rebounds alongside 10 offensive boards, summing up to 31 rebounds in total. They committed 7 turnovers while recording 2 steals. Purdue was called for 13 fouls, giving Michigan just 6 free-throw attempts, of which they successfully converted 5, for an efficiency of 83.3%. From three-point range, Michigan managed to make 7 of 24 attempts (29.2%). In total, the Wolverines shot 30 for 64 from the field, resulting in a 46.9% shooting percentage. Conversely, Michigan allowed Purdue to hit 30 of 57 shots from the field (52.6%) and finished with a three-point shooting rate of 28.6% after hitting 4 out of 14 attempts. They concluded the game making 16 of 22 free throws (72.7%). Purdue managed to gather 25 rebounds during the game, 7 of which were offensive.
Yaxel Lendeborg was instrumental for the Wolverines, scoring 20 points in 35 minutes alongside 1 assist. He achieved a shooting percentage of 57.1% by connecting on 8 of 14 attempts and secured 5 rebounds.
Michigan’s record stands at 31-3 this season. Offensively, they are shooting at 50.5% from the field, ranked 8th nationally. The Wolverines have tallied 2,952 points for the season (averaging 86.8 per game) and collect 40.0 rebounds per game. They facilitate 18.5 assists per contest, placing them 5th in the nation, while averaging 12.0 turnovers each game. Michigan also commits 15.6 fouls per game and shoots 74.7% from the line.
The Wolverines’ defense holds opponents to 30.2% on three-point shots (272 of 901), with foes converting 75.1% from the free-throw line. Michigan allows averages of 11.4 assists and 31.2 rebounds per game, ranking them 35th and 27th in the nation, respectively. They are positioned 57th in college basketball regarding points allowed per game, averaging 69.2. Additionally, the Wolverines force opponents into 11.1 turnovers per game while limiting opposing shooting to 38.4% from the field (3rd in Division 1).
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Michigan (-32)
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