Despite a promising start, Oklahoma State's basketball team has faced several setbacks that have left them struggling as they prepare for the grueling Big 12 conference schedule. The Cowboys' inconsistent performance in recent games highlights the challenges ahead. After early losses to Florida Atlantic and Nevada, the team showed promise with a strong showing against Tulsa but faltered again in key matches. With a challenging 20-game conference slate looming, including an upcoming match against Houston, OSU must elevate its game significantly to achieve success. Historically, OSU’s basketball program has often lagged behind its football counterpart in conference play, particularly during Mike Gundy’s tenure. However, this year presents an opportunity for the basketball team to outperform the winless football squad.

Navigating Early Struggles and Preparing for Conference Play

The Oklahoma State basketball team has had a tumultuous start to the season, marked by both highs and lows. Initially, the Cowboys showed potential, but losses to Florida Atlantic and Nevada dampened early optimism. Despite rebounding with a solid performance against Tulsa, the team struggled in critical matchups, such as the Bedlam rivalry game. These inconsistencies have raised concerns as the team prepares for the more demanding Big 12 conference schedule. Winning just one game in the next two months could be enough to surpass their football counterparts' record, but it will require significant improvement. The Cowboys must refine their defensive strategies and maintain their fast-paced offensive style to stay competitive.

The team's performance in December has been less than stellar, with unconvincing victories over Tarleton State and Oral Roberts. These wins, while necessary, did little to inspire confidence heading into the Big 12. The upcoming schedule, which includes tough opponents like Houston, will test the Cowboys' resilience. To succeed, they must address their defensive weaknesses and capitalize on their offensive strengths. A balanced approach will be crucial in navigating the challenging conference landscape. The team's ability to adapt and improve over the coming weeks will determine their success in the Big 12.

Historical Context: Comparing Basketball and Football Performance

In the context of OSU's athletic history, the basketball team has often found itself overshadowed by the football program, especially under Mike Gundy's leadership. Since Gundy took over the football team in 2005, the Cowboys' basketball program has rarely matched or exceeded the football team's success in the Big 12. This trend has persisted for nearly two decades, with only a few exceptions. During Eddie Sutton's final season in 2005-06 and Marcus Smart's freshman year in 2012-13, the basketball team managed to post better records. However, these instances are outliers in an otherwise dominant football era.

This year presents a unique opportunity for the basketball team to reverse this trend. With the football team finishing the season without a win, the pressure is on the basketball squad to perform well in the Big 12. Steve Lutz's leadership will be pivotal in guiding the team through this challenge. While the task is daunting, the fast-paced style of play that OSU has adopted could provide an advantage in many games. The team must focus on consistency and execution to ensure they can capitalize on their offensive strengths while improving defensively. Achieving even a modest level of success in the Big 12 would mark a significant milestone for the basketball program and potentially signal a shift in the balance between the two sports at Oklahoma State.