Music blared through the lobby of the Des Moines Marriott earlier this week. As the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls exited the elevators on their way to the team bus that would take them, ultimately, to the Sweet 16, they were greeted by familiar tunes.

The OSU spirit band played "Ride 'em Cowboy” and " Oklahoma !” and the other songs that ring through Gallagher-Iba Arena each winter.

Later, those sam...