Bedlam basketball: Cowboys searching for a win in Norman

Is that any way to stoke a rivalry?

“Since I've been here, it's been pretty split,” Ford said. “We haven't won there. They've beaten us (in Stillwater) once. We've gotten them in the Big 12 Tournament a couple of times. So it's pretty even.

“I think that makes a good rivalry, when you're competing against each other.”

This time, of course, with OSU due in Norman for the latest Bedlam clash on Saturday, Ford and his Cowboys aren't interested in any series status quo. Their search for a road win anywhere already a high priority, winning at OU would solve that elusive quest and stir up the same-ol' Bedlam storyline.

“It'll help a lot,” said Cowboys forward Le'Bryan Nash. “You know how we've been on the road in past years… not very good. Getting road wins, I think, is better than home wins. You go on the road into a tough environment and come out with a W, that just sends a message to your opponent.

“Especially Oklahoma. It's Bedlam, so we're going to go in there and try to get a big win.”

OSU, receiving enough votes in both of the major polls to stand just outside of the Top 25, must reverse two-plus seasons of road woes to establish itself as a true Big 12 contender. Dating back to 2010-11, the Cowboys are 1-17 in enemy Big 12 arenas. They failed in their first bid this season, falling 73-67 at No. 18 Kansas State a week ago.

So there's that, as well as a shaky history inside Lloyd Noble Center. Not only is Ford 0-4, OSU hasn't won in Norman since 2004 and has dropped 10 of its last 11 games there overall.