Oklahoma State entered the 2026 Big 12 Tournament as a team searching for its identity, but they may have found it on Wednesday night in an emphatic 92-80 upset victory over Colorado. Anthony Roy was the man of the hour for the Cowboys, torching the Buffaloes for 22 points in a high-scoring affair that saw the 14th-seeded Pokes advance to the next round. Roy’s ability to create his own shot and knock down critical three-pointers was the difference-maker in a game where Oklahoma State appeared more desperate and focused than their higher-seeded opponents.

The Cowboys’ Offensive Awakening

While Roy led the scoring charge, the victory was a collective effort for the Cowboys (19-14). Christian Coleman provided a massive lift in the paint, recording a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Oklahoma State’s offensive flow was noticeably improved from the regular season, as they moved the ball with purpose and attacked the Colorado defense in transition. Despite the Buffaloes’ attempts to mount a late second-half run, Roy and Coleman repeatedly found answers, keeping the lead at double digits for the majority of the final ten minutes.

The upset marks a significant moment for a program that has dealt with inconsistency throughout the 2025-26 season. After suffering a double-digit loss to this same Colorado team in Boulder just weeks ago, revenge was sweet for the Cowboys. The win not only keeps their postseason hopes alive but serves as a reminder that in the Big 12, no seed is safe once the tournament reaches Kansas City.

Colorado Stunned in Postseason Opener

For Colorado, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. The Buffaloes entered the tournament with aspirations of a deep run and a potential NCAA Tournament at-large bid, but their defensive lapses proved costly against a hot-shooting Oklahoma State squad. Colorado struggled to contain Roy on the perimeter and was outworked on the offensive glass by Coleman and the Cowboys' frontcourt. While they found some rhythm late in the game, it was a case of too little, too late for a team that had hoped to solidify its resume this week.

The Buffaloes now face an anxious wait until Selection Sunday. With 18 wins and several quality victories, they remain in the bubble conversation, but this early exit from the Big 12 Tournament does them no favors. They will need results elsewhere to go their way if they hope to secure a spot in the field of 68.

A Cinderella Path Emerging for Oklahoma State?

Oklahoma State now marches on to face a daunting challenge in the next round, where they are slated to meet the top seeds of the conference. However, with Anthony Roy playing at this level, the Cowboys possess the type of individual scoring threat that can keep them competitive in any matchup. The energy and chemistry displayed on Wednesday suggest that the Pokes are embracing the underdog role, a dangerous mindset in March.

If they can maintain their defensive intensity and continue to get production from their bench, Oklahoma State could emerge as the Cinderella story of the 2026 Big 12 Tournament. For now, Roy and his teammates are focused on the immediate future, but the belief in the locker room is palpable: they aren't just here to participate; they are here to disrupt the bracket.