Wisconsin scored just 16 points in the first half, the lowest total to date of any team in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, but responded down the stretch to put away Pitt 47-43 Friday night in St. Louis.

Nigel Hayes struggled mightily, hitting just three of his 17 attempts, but connected on six free throw attempts to finish with 12 points. Freshman Ethan Happ led Wisconsin with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Despite the first half scoring drought, UW trailed by just six points at the half, then battled back to take the lead four minutes into the second half on a dunk by Happ. The teams exchanged the lead several times in the second half, and Pitt had a chance to win in the final seconds, but James Robinson's jumper was off the mark and Happ grabbed the rebound to seal the victory.

Wisconsin moves on to Sunday's second round of the tournament in St. Louis. They'll face the winner of Friday night's Weber State-Xavier matchup.