Jacob Pullen scored 27 points and hit the clinching free throws in the final seconds as visiting Kansas State held off Nebraska, 61-57, in a battle of Big 12 bubble teams on Wednesday.

Rodney McGruder added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Wildcats (19-9, 7-6 Big 12), who have won three straight and five of six to move into sole possession of fifth place in the Big 12. They also put themselves back in a strong position to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Lance Jeter collected 11 points and seven boards for the Cornhuskers (18-9, 6-7), who had their three-game winning streak snapped.

It went back and forth throughout the second half, with Kansas State building up a lead of as much as 48-42 on Pullen’s layup with 7:50 left. Neither team could manage a field goal over the next 3:32, but Nebraska took advantage of a technical foul to hit four straight free throws and pull within 48-47.

The Cornhuskers never managed to retake the lead as Pullen hit four free throws over the final 12 seconds to keep the Wildcats ahead.