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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The Michigan Wolverines are a team that has a legitimate shot of making a run to the National Championship game in March Madness, but had to wait a bit longer to learn their first-round opponent.
Michigan, led by Yakex Lendeborg, achieved one of the four No. 1 seeds for the Big Dance, representing the Midwest Region. Many individuals have already predicted that the Wolverines could suffer an early upset after a season-ending injury to their reserve guard.
And there's always the possibility it could happen in the first game, by an unlikely low-seeded Cinderella, although most believe Michigan will reach the Elite Eight or further.
Read More on NCAA
For the Wolverines' first opponent, a No. 16 seed would emerge on Tuesday evening, as the UMBC Retrievers battled the Howard Bison in the first game of the First Four to tip off the NCAA Tournament.
Read more: Florida’s Todd Golden Reveals 3 Teams That Could Go Far in March Madness
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Howard took an eight-point lead heading into halftime and was up double digits at various parts of the second half. Still, UMBC did its best to stay alive for a potential win.
Ultimately, the Bison outrebounded the Retrievers, including double-digit offensive rebounds. They also hit free throws more consistently, with UMBC leaving points on the board with their misses at the line. H
The Bison received 23 points from Ose Okojie and a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds from Bryce Harris in the win. Jah’Likai King had 19 points in the loss for UMBC.
The Retrievers trailed for much of the second half, but had a chance to win it at the end. However, a buzzer-beating three-point attempt went to the side of the basket, and Howard celebrated their 86-83 victory. Now they'll head to Buffalo to battle the Wolverines.
Read more: UMBC Trolls Steelers Amid First Four Delay Before NCAA Tournament
Michigan, a large favorite to win, will take the court for its first-round game on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. EST. The Wolverines suffered what could have been a wake-up call ahead of the tournament, losing 80-72 to Purdue in the final of the Big Ten Tournament.
In late February, their reserve point guard, L.J. Cason, suffered a season-ending torn ACL, which many believe will hinder Michigan's chances of winning it all.
However, they're still among the top contenders and among the odds-on favorites to win it all, along with Duke and Arizona.
Read more: BYU Receives Big AJ Dybantsa News Ahead of March Madness
For more about the NCAA Tournament, visit Newsweek Sports.
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