Robert Morris gives Wisconsin scare before losing on road

MADISON, Wis. — Tyler Wahl and freshman reserve John Blackwell scored 18 points apiece, and Wisconsin held off Robert Morris, 78-68, on Friday night.

Chris Ford’s layup pulled the Colonials even at 50-50 with 10 minutes, 54 seconds remaining. Blackwell answered with a three-point play, Wahl hit the first of two free throws and followed with a dunk and the Badgers (2-2) maintained a two-possession lead from there.

Jackson Last had 16 points and five rebounds to pace Robert Morris (1-3). TJ Wainwright had 15 points, and Justice Williams scored 11 with four assists. Freshman reserve Alfredo Boglio hit two 3-pointers and scored 10.

Blackwell sank 4 of 5 shots with two 3-pointers and made 8 of 10 at the free-throw line for Wisconsin. Wahl made all five of his shots and 8 of 12 at the foul line, adding five rebounds. Steven Crowl scored 16 on 7-for-9 shooting with eight rebounds. Chucky Hepburn scored 10.

Crowl had 12 points, Wahl scored 11 and Kamari McGee sank two free throws with 2 seconds remaining in the first half to give Wisconsin a 37-35 lead.

Wainwright had 10 points to keep Robert Morris close. The Colonials made 7 of 15 shots from 3-point range before halftime, whereas the Badgers missed all six of their attempts.

Wisconsin shot 53.3% overall but made only 3 of 13 from distance. The Colonials shot 46.2% from the floor and made 13 of 29 from distance (44.8%). Wisconsin finished 27 of 40 at the foul line, and Robert Morris was 7 of 9.