DJ Armstrong Jr. and UMBC’s Quest to Reclaim March Madness Glory

DAYTON, Ohio – The UMBC Retrievers are back in the spotlight. After a travel delay, they’ve arrived at the University of Dayton Arena, preparing for their First Four matchup against Howard. For UMBC, this marks a return to the NCAA Tournament stage after an eight-year absence – a drought that began after one of the most shocking upsets in college basketball history.

The Unforgettable Upset of 2018

Stop right there. Before looking ahead, let’s rewind to 2018. It was a night that shook the college basketball world to its core. No. 16 UMBC defeated No. 1 Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It wasn’t just a win; it was a dismantling. Virginia, a team renowned for its defense, was blown out by 20 points, scoring a mere 54 points while UMBC erupted for 53 in the second half alone – a feat fifteen Virginia opponents hadn’t achieved all season.

Turning a 21-21 halftime tie into a stunning rout, the Retrievers shot an incredible 28-of-37 in the second half. The college basketball world watched in disbelief.

For many fans, UMBC – the University of Maryland, Baltimore County – was a name they’d never heard before. The school was better known for its chess program than its basketball prowess. Virginia coach Tony Bennett acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the game: “If you play this game and you step into the arena, this stuff can happen.” UMBC’s Jairus Lyles, who led all scorers with 28 points, simply stated, “We just wanted to make history today.”

From Cinderella Story to Championship Fuel

Virginia used the humiliation as motivation, embarking on a remarkable redemption journey that culminated in a national championship the following year. UMBC, however, lost to Kansas State in the next round and returned to the relative obscurity of the America East Conference. They hadn’t returned to the NCAA Tournament… until now.

A New Generation, A Familiar Goal

Which brings us to Monday night in Dayton. The current UMBC players, many of whom were in middle school during the 2018 upset, are focused on creating their own legacy. They enter the tournament with a 24-8 record and a 12-game winning streak, having dominated the America East tournament.

Here’s what some of the key players had to say:

• DJ Armstrong Jr.: “I didn’t know anything about it. I’m just a kid from Florida. I really didn’t know what UMBC was at the time. When I got recruited, of course, it got (mentioned). I think just knowing about that it’s what we chase for every day. But all in all, we’re our own team, and we just want to go ahead and get to that point again.”
• Ace Valentine: “For me, it was a little different because I live 15 minutes from UMBC… It was always a goal to get to the tournament. This year, I finally accomplished it in my third year. I want to be able to make a name for ourselves, as well.”
• Jah’Likai King: “It’s very special just to be in this situation, just because we can do the same thing if we just do everything right on the court.”
• Josh Odunowo: “Just the fact that one game like that can change the whole team, everybody’s life… I definitely dream about moments like that.”

Coach Jim Ferry, who was an assistant at Penn State in 2018, understands the weight of the program’s history. “It’s always going to be a part of it… They put UMBC on the map.” He points to a large Sports Illustrated cover featuring the 2018 team prominently displayed in the practice facility.

Building a Program Beyond the Upset

Ferry has built a team that relies on Division II transfers, like King and Armstrong, who are seeking opportunities to compete at the Division I level. “We’re not a big NIL money team,” Ferry explains. “A lot of these Division II kids aren’t asking for money… DJ Armstrong, he doesn’t get NIL money; he just wants to play basketball.”

Despite a hectic travel schedule and late-night film sessions, the Retrievers are focused on the task at hand: facing Howard in the First Four. The legacy of 2018 looms large, but this UMBC team is determined to forge its own path and create new memories in the March Madness tournament. The journey continues, fueled by the spirit of a historic upset and the determination of a new generation of Retrievers.

Read more about March Madness: NCAA March Madness