Could this actually happen?

[mred]

Let's say OSU beats A&M. The way OSU is playing, I'd sure pick them. Let's then say OSU wins at home vs. Baylor. OSU has beaten Tech and ISU in Stillwater, so it's possible (although my money's still on Baylor http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif )

Let's say OSU then wins their first Big XII tournament game. They could be facing A&M again, and I could see them winning that. Then they'll face OU, which they probably won't win.

This puts OSU at 8-8 in the conference and 17-14 overall. They'll be 6-4 in their last 10 games including wins over Tech, ISU, and Baylor. Potential NCAA tournament team? Probably still a longshot, but a shot nonetheless.

[swok34]

I don't know if the Big XII will get more than 7 bids, and OSU would be the 8th bid. I think they would have to get to the tournament final game, win or lose, they might have a chance.

That would be the same scenario that Texas followed 2 years ago, but didn't Texas make team #7 to get into the tournament that year?

[schooner2]

This is exactly what I was commenting on yesterday. I think OSU in your scenario mred, would be firmly on the bubble. If they beat OU in that scenario in the 2nd round of the Big 12 Tourney, I think they are in. You just can't ignore the number of Top 15 upsets OSU would have produced by that point in the last part of the season.

They would definitely be a WNIT team. Possibly a NCAA team if they went 1-1 at the Big 12 Tourney. Who knows, maybe OSU would get a lot of sympathy from the selection committee since Halterman has already been let go.

[ChipperF1]

17-14?...That makes for a good football score.

But it won't make for an NCAA tournament team. 14 losses will be the reason why.

Oklahoma State is WNIT.

[schooner2]

Originally posted by ChipperF1:
17-14?...That makes for a good football score.

But it won't make for an NCAA tournament team. 14 losses will be the reason why.

Oklahoma State is WNIT.

I disagree. I think there is at least a chance because they finished strong. Selection committee has always valued that. OSU wouldn't be the first team to get in with only 17 wins.

[YCN]

actually, schooner, teams have been invited to the dance not only with fewer with 17 wins, but with a losing conference record to boot!

If OSU can get through the conference with 7 wins and win 2 in the conference tourney, or get through with 8 and 1, the I would say their chances for an invite are slightly better than 50-50.

[Daddo]

Yeah, that'd possibly do it, but I wouldn't be as sure of that (even though I AM a big OSU fan, also...was born in Stillwater) but the Ags are pretty hot, and have a lot to play for now, too.
OSU makes the right choice coach-wise (Kamie Ethridge is still my favorite) and they could be a program on the rise.

[ChipperF1]

Teams have gotten in with 17 wins (remember Iowa State '97?)

But with 14 losses, WITHOUT the automatic bid? That's a a dicey proporsition given that you will have at least 6 bubble teams with 20+ wins.

A god help Oklahoma State if it comes down to them and Hawaii for example.

25 November 2001 -- Hawaii 72, Oklahoma State 62.

Also consider road game vs. the Top 50 in RPI (road games are given heavier weight that home or neutral floor contests). Oklahoma State is 0-8.

OSU has a serious strength of schedule no question, but 17-14 with and 8-8 conference means they'll need 2 wins in the league tournament after the Flockhart game they'll play in the first round.

The Cowgirls cannot Bert Convy their way in on the coattails of the conference. None of the Enron Five can.

[schooner2]

And the committee will also note that Hawaii beat OSU on November 25th. And, that OSU beat Texas Tech on February 14th, Iowa State on February 17th, and if they beat Baylor - on February 24th. Hawaii has not beaten a TTU, ISU, or BU. The only chance they have to shine is against La Tech and they were beaten soundly both times by them.

Obviously it's all in how you look at it. I've heard the selection committee argue your side, and I've heard them argue my side.