One thing became clear on Wednesday night after Oklahoma State defeated Kansas State 80-68. The Cowboys are dancing. At 8-7 in the Big 12 and 19-9 overall, even if you lose the last three Big 12 games to go 8-10 and get bounced in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament (unlikely), you’re in.
OSU and Texas both went 8-10 in 2015 and got in (OSU was 18-14 overall!) and got in. OSU also went 8-10 in 2014 and got in. Since the league went to 10 teams in 2012 the only teams to go 8-10 or better in conference and not make the tournament are 2015 Kansas State (8-10 in the Big 12 but 15-17 overall), 2014 West Virginia (9-9 in the Big 12 but 17-16 overall) and 2013 Baylor (9-9 in the Big 12 but 18-14 overall).