Takeaways, key numbers, top performers from Oklahoma State’s loss vs. Kansas

4) OKLAHOMA STATE PROVES IT CAN COMPETE WITH THE BEST IN THE BIG 12 … ON THE ROAD

The Big 12 is a gauntlet. It has been for years, however this could be the most-talented the convention has been from top to backside … ever. 

The dangerous news? Oklahoma State has now misplaced six consecutive convention openers underneath head coach Mike Boynton. Kansas has not misplaced a convention opener for the reason that 1990-91 season. 

The good news? The Cowboys proved they’ll hold with one of the best of ’em within the Big 12. 

Even with an 8-5 total report heading into January, Oklahoma State nonetheless has legit NCAA Tournament possibilities. Heading into Saturday, the Cowboys have been one of many Last Four In, according to CBS Sports Bracketology Expert Jerry Palm. Oklahoma State will seemingly fall to the First Four Out with one other loss, however in a stacked Big 12, the alternatives are their for the Cowboys to rise once more.

“I want to certainly give credit to our guys,” Mike Boynton stated postgame. “I thought they came in here expecting to play well enough to win. For the most part we did. We gave ourselves a chance right there to the end, but there are no moral victories. I told our guys that. It’s a hard league to play in. It’s the best league by two football fields probably, than any other league. Obviously we came in here and showed that we can compete with some of the best teams on the road. Lot of season left. Lot still for us to accomplish and I look forward to getting back to Stillwater and getting back to work.”