Kansas State 52, UMKC 44: Guard Rodney McGruder scored 17 points as the Wildcats led from start to finish in getting past the visiting Kangaroos.

Kansas State (10-2) scored the first seven points and never trailed despite UMKC staying close the entire game.

The Wildcats got their lead up to as much as 11 in the first half, but could never shake the pesky Kangaroos. Neither team shot well, with Kansas State hitting 32.1 percent from the field and UMKC 33.3 percent.

Thomas Gipson had 13 points for the Wildcats, while Nino Williams had eight points and 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.

UMKC (4-9) was paced by Thomas Staton's 13 points while center Fred Chatmon snagged a career-best 16 rebounds.

GAME NOTEBOOK: UMKC matched its season low with five assists. … Kansas State's two 3-pointers tied its season low, set two games ago against Texas Southern. … The Kangaroos jump back into conference play Monday, traveling to Nebraska-Omaha. The Wildcats have one more game in December, hosting South Dakota on Monday.