PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Mezie Nwigwe's last-second 3-point attempt missed wide left and No. 15 seed Robert Morris' chances at the biggest win in program history went with it.

No. 2 seed Villanova survived a scare from the Colonials, winning 73-70 in overtime this afternoon in the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Robert Morris freshman guard Karon Abraham scored 23 points and made five 3-pointers. Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds led the Wildcats with 20 points -- 15 coming from the free-throw line.

The Wildcats outscored Robert Morris 15-12 in overtime to avoid the biggest upset in the NCAA tournament since No. 15 Hampton beat No. 2 Iowa State in 2001.

Robert Morris (23-12) led by two points with less than a minute remaining and had the ball with the scored tied, 58-58, with less than 40 seconds remaining. But a missed jumper gave the Wildcats a chance to score a last-second shot.

Reynolds missed a layin, and an inbounds dunk attempt was blocked by Dallas Green as time expired, sending the game to overtime.

The Colonials led, 28-22, at halftime despite 12 turnovers and 12 personal fouls in the first 20 minutes of play.

Robert Morris shot just 37 percent from the field in the first half but outrebounded Villanova 21-10.

Meanwhile Wildcats star Scottie Reynolds was cold, going 0 for 4 from the field in the first half.

Since the NCAA men's basketball tournament began seeding teams, there have been 100 games pitting a No. 2 vs. a No. 15 team coming into this year's tournament.

In 1997, Coppin State bested South Carolina in opening round action at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

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