The NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament burst into action on Tuesday with a captivating showdown between Wagner and Howard in the First Four. Wagner managed to stave off a relentless surge from Howard, clinching a 71-68 victory over the Bison.
In the early stages of the game, Wagner enjoyed a comfortable lead, stretching it to as much as 17 points in the second half. However, Howard mounted a spirited comeback, orchestrating a remarkable 19-7 run. The surge culminated in a Bryce Harris layup with just 18 seconds remaining, slicing Wagner’s lead to a mere point, 69-68.
With the pressure mounting, Howard resorted to fouling, sending Julian Brown to the free-throw line. Brown maintained his composure, sinking both shots, setting the stage for a frenzied finale.
Howard missed three 3's on the final possession to tie the game 😬 pic.twitter.com/DfBkJTLNU4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2024
Despite multiple attempts by Howard to knot the score in the dying moments, including missed three-pointers by Jordan Hairston and Marcus Dockery, Wagner clung to their lead, securing the win.
Melvin Council Jr. spearheaded Wagner’s charge with an impressive stat line of 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Julian Brown chipped in with 15 points for the Northeast Conference champions, who overcame numerous obstacles to reach this stage.
On the opposing side, Harris and Seth Towns led the charge for Howard, contributing 16 points each to the effort.
What a journey it’s been for Wagner
-Finished regular season 13-15, got #6 seed in NEC Tournament
-Swept their way through tournament with only 7 active players
-Defeated Howard to earn first ever DI NCAA Men's Tournament win pic.twitter.com/ScAsbz5kFt
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2024
The matchup between Wagner and Howard served as a thrilling curtain-raiser for March Madness, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
As the buzzer sounded, social media erupted with reactions, acknowledging the intensity of the contest and the resilience displayed by both teams. Fans and analysts alike commended Wagner for their gritty performance and Howard for their valiant effort.
With this victory, Wagner advances to face the formidable North Carolina Tar Heels in the first round on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in their tournament journey. The stage is set for another riveting encounter as the madness of March continues to unfold.
