Oklahoma State men's basketball: Cowboys seek to change course with first Big 12 trip

Doing the basic math, counting nine conference home games, there's work to be done on the road. Considering the Cowboys haven't gone unbeaten at home in the Big 12 since 2003-04, substantial work could be in order to make a run at the title.

“It's not like we're going to go out and win every one of them,” Ford said. “But we've got to find three or four.”

Or more.

Winning in Manhattan won't be easy, although the Cowboys have won five of the last eight meetings in Bramlage Coliseum, an oddity among OSU's recent road record.

Ford does, however, believe that his latest team has what it takes to compete and win on the road.

“I hope so, yeah,” he said. “I think we're a better basketball team. And I think we've got better point guard play. I think it's a team, hopefully, built a little better for the road.

“But it's hard. You look at the history, other than Kansas, there are very few teams that have gone and won. It's very difficult to win on the road.”

With OSU and K-State both looking like Big 12 contenders at this stage, the game figures to loom larger for the Wildcats as the home team. Still, the Cowboys would love to make a road statement sooner, rather than later. And beating the Wildcats would accomplish that, as well as provide a significant talking point in the conversation of Big 12 contenders.

“I'm really excited to see what this team can do in the Big 12,” Brown said. “We've been picked third, I think we can win it.

“I'm really excited about this team going against heavy competition every night. No games from here on out are cupcake games. I'm really excited for this team.”