Jacob Pullen scored 18 points and Kansas State used a tenacious first half defensive effort to build a big lead and knock off Nebraska 69-53 on Wednesday night in Manhattan, Kan.

Kansas State (15-8, 3-5 Big 12) forced Nebraska (15-6, 3-4 Big 12) into 13 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes in building a 31-17 halftime advantage. The Cornhuskers 17-point opening half performance was a season-low and they were held to just one field goal the final 6:45.

K-State would build its lead to as many as 19 in the second half, and the closest Nebraska would get the rest of the way was 11. The Wildcats, who struggle from the free throw line as a team, shooting just 61 percent for the season, connected on 84 percent, hitting 21 of 25.

Curtis Kelly added 16 points for K-State and Rodney McGruder chipped in 10 as the Wildcats beat the Cornhuskers for the fourth straight time overall and for the fifth consecutive time at Bramlage Coliseum.

Lance Jeter scored 16 points to lead Nebraska, which was coming off a 57-48 win over No. 16 Texas A&M last Saturday.