MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Eian Elmer scored 18 points and Wisconsin posted a wire-to-wire 75-68 victory over Denver in a season opener on Monday night.

Elmer made 7 of 13 shots for the Badgers and added five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Braeden Carrington hit three 3-pointers and scored 15 for Wisconsin. Owen Foxwell totaled 14 points and seven rebounds. Nolan Winter led all rebounders with 14.

Carson Johnson scored 27 to lead the Pioneers.

Wisconsin never led by more than six until Foxwell scored seven of his nine first-half points in a 13-2 run over the final 5:30 for a 44-30 lead at halftime.

The Badgers led by as many as 16 in the second half, but Harry Bates made two free throws with 8:32 remaining and Denver cut it to 58-54.

Carrington answered with a 3-pointer and a dunk to spark a 7-0 run and Wisconsin regained a double-digit lead. Carrington hit from distance for a 68-56 advantage and the Badgers stayed in front over the final 4:50.

Wisconsin shot 46% from the floor but made only 6 of 26 from 3-point range and 7 of 18 at the foul line.

The Pioneers shot 44% overall and 21% from distance but hit 18 of their 21 free throws.

Up next

Denver: At UC Riverside on Saturday.

Wisconsin: Hosts Delaware on Friday.

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