In a thrilling start to March Madness, Wagner made history by securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. The Seahawks, representing the Northeast Conference, clinched a hard-fought 71-68 win over Howard in the First Four matchup on Tuesday night.
Leading the charge for Wagner was Melvin Council Jr., who delivered an impressive 21-point performance. Despite a late surge from Howard, the Seahawks managed to maintain their composure and secure the win.
With this victory, Wagner, as the No. 16 seed in the West Region, now advances to face top seed North Carolina in the upcoming round scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday.
Although Howard found themselves trailing by 17 points early in the second half, they mounted a spirited comeback with a late 14-2 run. The Bison closed the gap to just one point, with the score at 69-68 following a layup by Bryce Harris with 18 seconds remaining. However, Wagner's Julian Brown stepped up to sink two crucial free throws, sealing the win for the Seahawks.
Julian Brown also played a significant role in Wagner's victory, contributing 15 points to the team's total. This win marks a significant milestone for Wagner, who last appeared in the NCAA Tournament back in 2003.
On the opposing side, Howard, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions, put up a valiant effort with standout performances from Harris and Seth Towns, who each scored 16 points. Despite their best efforts, the Bison fell just short of securing their first March Madness win.
Both teams showcased their competitive spirit and determination, making for an exciting matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Wagner's head coach, Donald Copeland, a former NCAA Tournament player himself, guided his team to this historic victory, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown against North Carolina.
As the tournament progresses, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more thrilling games and memorable moments as teams vie for glory on the national stage.
For the latest updates on March Madness and to track the tournament bracket, visit the official NCAA Men's Bracket hub and stay tuned to comprehensive coverage on all the action.
