Our favorite reactions to Michigan's NCAA Tournament win over Howard

Mar 20, 2026 - 08:00

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Our favorite reactions to Michigan's NCAA Tournament win over Howard

While it wasn't likely in any real doubt that Michigan basketball would beat Howard in the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament, it certainly looked like it was for a few moments late in the first half of the contest.

The Wolverines nursed a four-point lead in the halftime locker room, only to explode in the second, blowing out the Bison, 101-80, to advance to the Round of 32. The offense was incredible from start to finish, but the No. 1 defense in the country was getting throttled in the early going, allowing 10 3s and 46 first-half points by Howard. But given the second-half surge, fans and media had reasons to celebrate.

Here are our favorite reactions.

Swanky Wolverine

Michigan cooking pic.twitter.com/wGgV7zlEHe— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) March 20, 2026

ANNIE ARE YOU OK, ARE YOU OK ANNIE? https://t.co/XzNGUl3XPJ— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) March 20, 2026

Jon Rothstein

Michigan by TKO.— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 20, 2026

Steve Deace

What a weird game. Frustrating to watch until about the 13 minute mark, and then Michigan kicked into another gear as Howard ran out of steam. You could tell Dusty was not happy with the perimeter defense throughout much of it. Strong bounce backs by Morez and Mara. Onward.— MichiganPodcast (@MichiganPodcast) March 20, 2026

Brandon Knapp

Rough defense in the first half, they cleaned up their act, used their size in the second half and shocker, won the game by 20+ https://t.co/2jQBERnWiH— Brandon Knapp (@BKnappBlogs) March 20, 2026

Noah Neidlinger

Forget about that 1st half!
Round of 32!
We’re back baby! pic.twitter.com/8Qt2dt4nR6— Noah Neidlinger (@candor_for_sale) March 20, 2026

Brandon Koretz

Morez Johnson Jr. is the fifth player to ever record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds on 100% FG in an NCAA tournament game.

The last player to do so was first team All-American DeJuan Blair for Pitt in 2009.— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) March 20, 2026

Derick Hutchinson

Michigan can't be anywhere close to its best without vintage Morez Johnson. He showed up in the second half tonight.— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) March 20, 2026

David Cone

Hats off to Howard. Fought hard and shot lights out. Michigan still wins big.

Way to set the tone in round one. https://t.co/PUeomp9OJ6— David Cone (@davidadamcone) March 20, 2026

Taylor Lewan

Howard is a hell of a ball club, they were draining 3’s early.

Michigans dominance took over in the second half.

Go Blue, onward.— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) March 20, 2026

Jordan Strack

Michigan got the wake-up call. That was a much better effort in the second half. The offense was great tonight. Felt like they picked up the intensity in the second half.

Wasn’t a thing of beauty, but win and advance. Keep finding a way.— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) March 20, 2026