College Basketball Bubble Watch: Oregon needs a win

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts on the bench against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on November 29, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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STILLWATER, OK – DECEMBER 03: Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jeffrey Carroll (30) puts up a shot during the college division 1 mens basketball game between the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on December 3, 2017 at Gallagher-Iba arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State was left in a tough situation with Brad Underwood leaving after just one year, but is off to a strong start in 2017-18 to enter the NCAA Tournament picture.

Despite losing star Jawun Evans to the NBA, the Cowboys have rolled to a 7-1 start with the only loss coming to top-10 Texas A&M on Nov. 20. While most of that has come against weak competition, Oklahoma State is dominating teams it should blow out, and has cracked the top 50 of Ken Pomeroy’s efficiency ratings with much better play on the defensive end.

This week will finally provide the Cowboys a chance to pick up a marquee win, as they host Wichita State on Saturday afternoon. The Shockers will be a heavy favorite, but will again be without their best player in Marcus McDuffie while facing one of their toughest road tests of the year.

Senior Jeffrey Carroll has been cleared from the FBI investigation and is averaging 14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, with the upside to be much better than that. Cal State Northridge transfer Kendall Smith is also proving to be a solid pickup, while opposing offenses have struggled from the perimeter against Michael Boynton’s much-improved defense.

The Cowboys are below the cut line for now but would be well on the right side if they manage to upset the Shockers. If that doesn’t work out, the Cowboys will have a week off before a crucial showdown against Florida State a week from Saturday.