UMBC vs Howard: First Four Rematch

0:00On March 17th, UMBC, the team that made history as the first number 16 seed to upset a number one seed back in 2018, is returning to the NCAA tournament. They stunned Virginia by 20 points that year, a moment etched in March Madness lore. Now the retrievers earn their spot by winning the America East title and face Howard in the first four on Tuesday. Both squads heated up late, with UMBC taking 15 of its last 16 games and Howard grabbing 14 of 16. Howard relies on tough defense to force turnovers, but UMBC ranks 27th nationally in protecting the ball. Officials see it as a close one, with UMBC favored by one and a half points thanks to sharper shooting. Fans still buzz about that epic upset, especially Virginia supporters who remember it all too well. UMBC's run captured hearts nationwide, proving underdogs can shock the world. This rematch opportunity against the top seed later could reignite those memories.

1:00Meanwhile, the other first four matchup pits North Carolina State against Texas, with NC State getting one and a half points. Both teams faltered down the stretch. NC State went two and seven, Texas lost five of six, but NC State's hot three point shooting, 10th in the nation. exploits Texas' weak perimeter defense. These openers promised tight action to kick off the tournament, setting the stage for more surprises as the brackets unfold.