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March Madness is here and that means it's prediction time.
Five Free Press sports writers make their picks for the 2026 NCAA Tournament game between Michigan basketball and Howard at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York on Thursday, March 19.
Michigan hasn't played its best in recent weeks, but it hasn't played a team as susceptible as Howard in months. The Wolverines flex their size and pull out one of their signature lopsided victories against a team that simply can't match up as they quickly get their mojo back following a disappointment in the Big Ten Tournament championship. The pick: U-M 92, Howard 60.
Howard coach Kenny Blakeney has the Bison back in the tournament for the third time in four years, so they’ve got plenty of experience, and they’re riding high after beating UMBC for their first NCAA Tournament win ever. Howard’s small, scrappy trap defense won’t be enough to overcome Michigan’s size and depth. The pick: U-M 85, Howard 68.
The most interesting part of this game will be the crowd. With Michigan playing after Michigan State, the crowd is going to feature plenty of green and white-clad fans. Can’t imagine they will be rooting for the Wolverines. The boost from the Spartans faithful won’t have much impact on the game itself but it should make for an interesting vibe in a contest that shouldn’t be close. (Yeah, I know the same could be said of the MSU game, but can’t imagine Michigan fans will arrive that early). The pick: U-M 82, Howard 61.
SCOUTING REPORT: Get to know Michigan basketball vs Howard matchup in March Madness
While Howard has a one-game headstart in the NCAAs with its thrilling First Four win Wednesday, the Wolverines have every other advantage – along with the edge in motivation to prove their loss in Chicago to Purdue was a blip and that they are worthy of the No. 1 seed. The first step toward U-M getting to its first Final Four since 2018 begins with a blowout. The pick: U-M 94, Howard 73.
It's happened once before — right, Purdue and Virginia? — but it's not happening here. Sorry, Howard. U-M is too big, too athletic and too motivated, and they'll handle Howard like most 1-seeds historically handle 16-seeds. The Wolverines were a bit out of sorts in Chicago. Buffalo should help them get right, and finally adjust to life without L.J. Cason. The pick: U-M 91, Howard 67.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball vs Howard March Madness predictions
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Five Free Press sports writers make their picks for the 2026 NCAA Tournament game between Michigan basketball and Howard at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York on Thursday, March 19.
Tony Garcia
Michigan hasn't played its best in recent weeks, but it hasn't played a team as susceptible as Howard in months. The Wolverines flex their size and pull out one of their signature lopsided victories against a team that simply can't match up as they quickly get their mojo back following a disappointment in the Big Ten Tournament championship. The pick: U-M 92, Howard 60.
Carlos Monarrez
Howard coach Kenny Blakeney has the Bison back in the tournament for the third time in four years, so they’ve got plenty of experience, and they’re riding high after beating UMBC for their first NCAA Tournament win ever. Howard’s small, scrappy trap defense won’t be enough to overcome Michigan’s size and depth. The pick: U-M 85, Howard 68.
Jeff Seidel
The most interesting part of this game will be the crowd. With Michigan playing after Michigan State, the crowd is going to feature plenty of green and white-clad fans. Can’t imagine they will be rooting for the Wolverines. The boost from the Spartans faithful won’t have much impact on the game itself but it should make for an interesting vibe in a contest that shouldn’t be close. (Yeah, I know the same could be said of the MSU game, but can’t imagine Michigan fans will arrive that early). The pick: U-M 82, Howard 61.
SCOUTING REPORT: Get to know Michigan basketball vs Howard matchup in March Madness
Chris Solari
While Howard has a one-game headstart in the NCAAs with its thrilling First Four win Wednesday, the Wolverines have every other advantage – along with the edge in motivation to prove their loss in Chicago to Purdue was a blip and that they are worthy of the No. 1 seed. The first step toward U-M getting to its first Final Four since 2018 begins with a blowout. The pick: U-M 94, Howard 73.
Shawn Windsor
It's happened once before — right, Purdue and Virginia? — but it's not happening here. Sorry, Howard. U-M is too big, too athletic and too motivated, and they'll handle Howard like most 1-seeds historically handle 16-seeds. The Wolverines were a bit out of sorts in Chicago. Buffalo should help them get right, and finally adjust to life without L.J. Cason. The pick: U-M 91, Howard 67.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball vs Howard March Madness predictions
Continue reading...
