Oklahoma State’s path to the NCAA Tournament is still very much alive-but the margin for error is shrinking fast.
After back-to-back stumbles against Taylor and TCU, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. The good news?
There’s still plenty of opportunity to make a late-season push. The challenge?
It starts with a high-stakes road test Tuesday night in Tempe.
This isn’t just another game on the schedule-it’s a chance for Oklahoma State to snag a much-needed quad one win, something that’s currently missing from their tournament résumé. And while Arizona State has had its share of struggles-most recently dropping a game at Colorado to fall to 3-8 in Big 12 play-they’re not exactly rolling out the welcome mat.
The Sun Devils are coming off a rough outing themselves, having been dismantled by top-ranked Arizona in an 84-47 blowout. But don’t let that score fool you into thinking this is a get-right game for OSU. Arizona State still brings some serious weapons to the floor.
Moe Odum, the Pepperdine transfer, is a scoring threat from just about anywhere on the court. He’s got deep range and the confidence to let it fly.
Inside, the Sun Devils are long, athletic, and disruptive-traits that have given the Cowboys trouble at times this season. If Oklahoma State wants to walk out of Tempe with a win, they’ll need to tighten up on the defensive glass and avoid letting ASU’s length dictate the paint.
A win Tuesday would be more than just a résumé booster-it would also push the Cowboys to 5-6 in Big 12 play, setting the stage for a crucial home matchup against TCU on Saturday. With seven games remaining before the Big 12 Tournament tips off in Kansas City, the math is starting to get real.
The general consensus? Eight conference wins might give Oklahoma State a shot on Selection Sunday.
Nine would likely punch the ticket. That means every game from here on out carries weight, but this one in particular could be a tone-setter for the stretch run.
Houston and Kansas are still looming on the schedule, both at home. Those are the kind of games that can swing a season-but only if you’re still in the hunt.
That’s why Tuesday night matters. It’s not just about one win.
It’s about momentum, confidence, and proving this team still has the fight to finish strong.
The Cowboys don’t need to be perfect down the stretch-but they do need to be clutch. And that starts in Tempe.