UMBC vs. Howard: Start Time, TV Channel, Odds & Key Storylines for Tonight’s Must-Watch NCAA Clash

The 2026 NCAA men’s tournament tips off tonight with a DMV showdown as the No. 16-seed UMBC Retrievers meet the No. 16-seed Howard Bison in the First Four at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Tip-off is 6:40 p.m. ET and the game airs nationally on truTV, with streaming on Sling and other live-TV platforms. The winner advances to face No. 1 overall seed Michigan on Thursday in Buffalo. Why this matchup matters • UMBC is back in the Big Dance for the first time since its historic 2018 upset of Virginia, the only time a No. 16 has beaten a No. 1 in the men’s bracket. • Howard makes its third tournament appearance in four seasons under coach Kenny Blakeney, riding an eight-game win streak and an 11-1 record in its last 12 contests. • Both programs enter as conference champions—UMBC out of the America East, Howard from the MEAC—setting up a clash of confident, fast-paced squads. Key players to watch • UMBC sophomore sharpshooter DJ Armstrong Jr. dropped 33 points in the America East final and shoots 42% from deep. • Senior guard Jah’Likai King leads the Retrievers at 13.9 PPG despite a rare scoreless outing in the title game. • Howard’s dynamic backcourt of Bryce Harris (17.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG) and Cedric Taylor III (17.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG) fuels the Bison’s up-tempo attack. Ball security is crucial: Howard ranks among the nation’s worst in non-steal turnovers, while UMBC sits 27th in turnover percentage forced. Odds and prediction BetMGM lists UMBC as a 1.5-point favorite (-102) with the over/under at 140.5. Both teams love to run, and each has topped 78 points in nine of its last ten games combined, making the over an enticing play. Projection: UMBC 77, Howard 72. How to watch • TV: truTV (check local listings) • Stream: Sling, NCAA March Madness Live app • Radio: Westwood One affiliates Fast facts • Location: UD Arena, Dayton, a First Four staple since 2011. • Series: Howard leads 2-1; UMBC won the most recent meeting 95-77 in 2024. • Next up: Thursday, 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Michigan at KeyBank Center. Search-friendly takeaways Fans searching “UMBC vs Howard time,” “how to watch UMBC Howard,” or “UMBC Howard odds” should bookmark this page for complete viewing info, betting lines, player matchups and the historical context framing tonight’s First Four thriller.