Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) passes the ball during the...

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) passes the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Robert Morris in Madison, Wis., Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Credit: AP/SAMANTHA MADAR

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-all with 10:54 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.

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.

Jackson Last had 16 points and five rebounds to pace Robert Morris (1-3). TJ Wainwright had 15 points, while Justice Williams scored 11 with four assists. Freshman reserve Alfredo Boglio hit two 3-pointers and 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, while 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, while Robert Morris was 7 of 9.

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Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) smiles during the team's NCAA...

Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) smiles during the team's NCAA college basketball game against Robert Morriss in Madison, Wis., Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Credit: AP/SAMANTHA MADAR

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