STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State basketball is on the surface wanting in on a majority of the newest Bracketology projections with a month and a half remaining till Selection Sunday in mid-March. It has been an up-and-down season for the Cowboys (11-9, 3-5 Big 12) as their résumé lacks consistency and most significantly — high quality wins. But, the alternatives are there.
Every matchup within the Big 12 Conference supplies an opportunity so as to add a high quality win. With victories over Iowa State and West Virginia, the Pokes personal two Quad 1 wins within the NET and presently have seven video games remaining towards Quad 1 opponents.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports’ group of faculty basketball consultants picked which teams currently on the outside of Jerry Palm’s projected NCAA Tournament field who they believe will end up securing a bid for the Big Dance — one in every of whom picked Oklahoma State.
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“Here’s what I have confidence in: The strength of the Big 12,” CBS Sports faculty basketball senior author Matt Norlander wrote. “The league rates streets ahead of all other conferences in every metric; it is inarguable that this league is No. 1. There is a chasm between the top six (pick your order) of Iowa State, Texas, Kansas State, Kansas, TCU and Baylor. Any of those teams could win the league, and the other four are a level or two below.
“That mentioned, I determine one in every of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Texas Tech is going to search out an at-large profile. TTU is nonetheless winless within the league; it isn’t dancing this season. West Virginia is [2-6) in the Big 12 and [12-8] general. Not a lot better. The Oklahoma colleges are each 11-9 and shaky. The Cowboys do have a top-10 protection within the nation, nonetheless. They personal a win over Iowa State and have extra residence video games than highway video games remaining. The Quad 1 victories are there. Even if barely, even when it means going to Dayton for the First Four, I’ll trip with the Pokes.”
Oklahoma State currently ranks No. 51 in the NET and is 2-6 against Quad 1 opponents. Offensive struggles have hurt the Cowboys for much of the season, but defensively they have been on of the best in the nation, ranking No. 7 in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. In comparison, the Pokes are No. 135 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Oklahoma State has been without arguably its best player for much of Big 12 play this season as star big man Moussa Cisse continues to miss time with an ankle injury. The Cowboys have not won in conference play with Cisse out of the lineup. If the 7-foot shot blocker can get healthy, Oklahoma State could be playing its best basketball when it matters most in late February and early March.
Oklahoma State is seeking a return to the NCAA Tournament after it was ineligible for postseason competition in 2021-22. The Cowboys last made the Big Dance in 2021, advancing to the Round of 32 before being upset by 12-seed Oregon State.
Here is a look at the remaining schedule for Oklahoma State basketball:
Jan. 28 — Ole Miss (9-11, 1-7)
Feb. 1 — at Oklahoma (11-9, 2-6)
Feb. 4 — No. 11 TCU (16-4, 5-3)
Feb. 8 — Texas Tech (10-10, 0-8)
Feb. 11 — at No. 12 Iowa State (15-4, 6-2)
Feb. 14 — No. 9 Kansas (16-4, 5-3)
Feb. 18 — at No. 11 TCU (16-4, 5-3)
Feb. 20 — at West Virginia (12-8, 2-6)
Feb. 25 — No. 5 Kansas State (17-3, 6-2)
Feb. 27 — No. 17 Baylor (15-5, 5-3)
Mar. 4 — at Texas Tech (10-10, 0-8)
Mar. 8-11 — Big 12 Championship Tournament
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