Kansas State found out Friday that life without Jacob Pullen might not be easy.

Rodney McGruder had a game-high 20 points, and Jordan Henriquez added 11 points and eight rebounds as the host Wildcats overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Charleston Southern 72-67.

Pullen wasn't taken in the NBA draft despite four years of excellence at Kansas State, which looked out of sorts without him.

For at least a half.

The Wildcats gave up a 19-2 run late in the first half as Charleston Southern took a 49-35 lead into halftime. Jeremy Sexton had 14 of his team-high 19 points in the first half for the Buccaneers, who went 4-13 on the road last season.

But Kansas State stormed back in the second half. The Wildcats took a 64-62 lead on Will Spradling’s 3-pointer, then extended the lead to 66-62 on McGruder’s 10-foot jumper with 1:20 left.

Charleston Southern got as close as three points, but the Wildcats, who haven’t lost a non-conference home game since Nov. 29, 2007, iced the game at the free throw line. Kansas State converted 22-of-33 free throws, which helped offset its abysmal 2-of-15 3-point shooting.

Spradling finished with 15 points and Shane Southwell added 11 for the Wildcats, who won their 18th straight season opener.

Saah Nimley had 13 points for the Buccaneers.