Oklahoma State Faces Tough Path to NCAA Tournament Bid

Cowboys must make the most of remaining games to have a chance at first tournament appearance since 2021

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Oklahoma State coach Steve Lutz knows his Cowboys must make the most of all their remaining games to have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. The hill they must climb starts Saturday when the Cowboys (16-8, 4-7 Big 12) face TCU (15-9, 5-6) in a Big 12 game in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State only has one road win in the Big 12 since Lutz took over last season, and three of the Cowboys' last seven games are on the road, including two against ranked opponents.

Why it matters

Oklahoma State's path to the NCAA Tournament is extremely challenging, with a lack of road wins in the Big 12 and several tough matchups against ranked teams remaining. This game against TCU is a must-win for the Cowboys to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The details

The Cowboys were swept in a recent road trip to Arizona, losing 84-47 to No. 1 Arizona and 85-76 to Arizona State. In the latter game, Oklahoma State trimmed the deficit to 69-68 late but the Sun Devils scored nine straight to pull away. Coach Lutz said the Cowboys can't spot opponents 50 points and expect to win, citing 17 turnovers that led to 26 points for Arizona State and 19 offensive rebounds that led to 24 points.

  • Oklahoma State faces TCU on Saturday, February 18, 2026.
  • Three of Oklahoma State's last seven games are on the road.
  • Two of Oklahoma State's remaining home games are against No. 9 Kansas and No. 3 Houston.

The players

Steve Lutz

The head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball team.

Micah Robinson

A highly recruited sophomore forward for the TCU Horned Frogs who made two sensational dunks down the stretch to help TCU upset No. 5 Iowa State.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a two-hand-touch league. This is a tackle football league. If you're not going to fight and you're not going to scrap and you're not going to rebound, you got no shot.”

— Steve Lutz, Head Coach, Oklahoma State Cowboys (statenews.net)

“It definitely means a lot. It shows the trust the coaching staff and my teammates have in me. It meant a lot to be able to come out there and compete.”

— Micah Robinson, Sophomore Forward, TCU Horned Frogs (statenews.net)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.