Bracketology 2023: UCLA, Kansas, and Creighton week's biggest winners

Bracketology 2023: UCLA, Kansas, and Creighton among week’s biggest winners

Dec 25, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) celebrates after guard Trey Alexander (23) scored his thirtieth point of the game against the DePaul Blue Demons in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oklahoma State’s Kalib Boone (22) and Tyreek Smith Bracketology Osu Wv Mbb /

Oklahoma State Cowboys

There was a clear bottom-4 group of Big 12 teams that had work to do to guarantee a spot in the NCAA Tournament. One of them was OK State, who had a bad loss early in non-con play to Southern Illinois. But this team has not only recovered nicely in league play but they probably clinched a bid to the Big Dance.

The Cowboys started out this week at home against Texas Tech, a Quad 2 game but based on the standings, the easiest game in the Big 12. The Red Raiders made them work for it but Oklahoma State got the 71-68 victory, thanks to 21 points from guard Bryce Thompson.

The other game was on the road at No. 11 Iowa State. But the Cowboys were able to find a way to get the victory, 64-56. Guard John-Michael Wright had one of his best games this season, going for a game-high 19 in this defensive battle. It’s another Quad 1 victory to give them an 8-8 record against Quad 1 and 2 opponents and a NET ranking approaching 30.

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There’s a good chance that 6 or 7 wins in Big 12 play would be good enough for an at-large bid this season and OK State already has that. Kansas and TCU are up next and if they can find a way to win at least one of them, the Cowboys will definitely be dancing.

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