The 2026 NCAA Tournament officially kicks off this Tuesday, March 17, with an electric First Four matchup between the UMBC Retrievers and the Howard Bison. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET at UD Arena, and new players can prepare for the action with the current FanDuel promo code offer. This promotion provides new users with up to $300 back in Bonus Bets if their initial wager does not result in a win.

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This First Four clash features two programs with significant March history. UMBC, famously the first 16-seed to ever upset a 1-seed, returns to the big stage with a high-octane offense, while Howard brings a physical defensive presence that helped them clinch the MEAC title. Both teams are fighting for the right to advance in the bracket, making every possession critical in this neutral-site battle.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total (O/U) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMBC Retrievers | -2.5 (-110) | -145 | Over 141.5 (-105) |
| Howard Bison | +2.5 (-110) | +118 | Under 141.5 (-115) |
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; taken March 16, 2026, at 11:30 PM ET. Odds are subject to change.
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Date & Time: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:40 PM ET
Location: UD Arena, Dayton, OH
TV Channel: truTV
Streaming: Max, Sling TV, NCAA March Madness Live
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