DAYTON, Ohio — Diminutive point guard Junior Robinson fearlessly dribbled into the heart of New Orleans’ defense, pulled up and hit yet another of his oh-so-soft jumpers. This one decided a frenetic opening game for the NCAA Tournament.

The smallest player in Division I scored 23 points Tuesday night, including that go-ahead jumper with 1:27 to play, and Mount St. Mary’s held on for a 67-66 victory over New Orleans in the First Four.

Robinson carried the Mountaineers (20-15) to only their second NCAA Tournament win, making jumpers with so much arc they appeared to tease the ceiling.

“The way he plays out there — his speed, his athleticism — it’s just so special,” coach Jamion Christian said.

The Mountaineers will head to Buffalo to play defending national champion and top overall seed Villanova in the East Regional on Thursday.

“It’s a dream come true,” guard Elijah Long said. “But this is March Madness, and this is part of the madness.”

Mount St. Mary’s led most of the way, but New Orleans (20-12) pulled off a comeback befitting its resurgent season. The Privateers had a chance for a final shot, but Erik Thomas’ inbound pass with 2.6 seconds left was off target and stolen by the Mountaineers’ Chris Wray.