Mount St. Mary’s still dancing

DAYTON, Ohio -- Mount St. Mary’s, a Maryland school known for getting drubbed in its previous two appearances in the NCAA tournament, got this one started with a nice-looking victory Tuesday night in the tournament’s play-in game.

A 69-60 victory over Coppin State set up a daunting second game for the Mountaineers (19-14), who next play top-seeded North Carolina.

“I envisioned playing against them when I was little,” said guard Jeremy Goode, who led the way with 21 points. “To play against them means a lot.”

The Mountaineers won their last five games to shed their losing record and make the tournament, then got the one victory that has always been well out of reach.

In its two other NCAA games, Mount St. Mary’s lost to Kentucky by 46 points in 1995 and to Michigan State by 23 in 1999.

“It’s a relief,” said forward Kelly Beidler, who had 15 rebounds. No time to savor it. Tournament reality hits Friday in a game against the Tar Heels in Raleigh, N.C.

Coppin State (16-21) became the first team to reach the tournament with 20 losses.