The Kansas State Wilcats used a late run to win a close game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles on Thursday in the opening round of the 2012 NCAA tournament. The Wildcats won by a final score of 70-64.
Kansas State scored six points on free throws in the final minutes of play to extend a three-point lead and close out the game.
Southern Mississippi had no answer for Rodney McGruder. The Wildcats' junior guard scored 30 points, only the third time in his career. He was 11-of-17 from the field. That helped Kansas State get to the 50 percent mark from the field, compared to just 36 percent for Southern Mississippi.
Neil Watson led the Golden Eagles with 16 points, one of three players in double figures.
Kansas State will advance to play the winner of the game between Syracuse and UNC-Asheville.
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