Can Oklahoma State win the Big 12 Championship Tournament?

It’s not probable but it remains a possibility as the Cowboys (15-14, 5-11 in the Big 12) have won five out of their last eight Big 12 games after a mid-season slump in which they lost  nine of 10 conference matchups.

And the latest surge includes a narrow loss to then-No. 1 Baylor and wins over then-No. 24 Texas Tech and Oklahoma. OSU is not in contention for an at-large bid and would have to win the Big 12 to make the NCAA Tournament.

On Saturday, the Cowboys rallied behind Cameron McGriff and beat Iowa State, 73-61, in Stillwater. McGriff had 19 points and seven rebounds.

McGriff, a senior forward, made his 74th consecutive start for the Cowboys, the 14th longest streak in school history. He went 6-for-6 on free throws.

“They hit shots,” said ISU coach Steve Prohm. “Turnovers and transition, along with shot selection by us, was the biggest difference in the game. The way they play defense, and you have to play defense and take good shots. Oklahoma State did a good job today. We got off to a good start and weren’t able to sustain it. “

McGriff, who shot 6 of 11 from the floor, has posted double-digit point totals and at least five rebounds in each of the last 10 contests.

“Cam, like we’ve talked about multiple times throughout the past few weeks, he’s been our rock,” said OSU coach Mike Boynton. “He’s been the guy who has taken ownership of what this team was going to be able to achieve down the stretch. I’m certainly proud of all those guys, but Cam making the adjustment in how he’s playing really gave us a chance to get this thing turned around after a rough January.”

Boynton praised his seniors.

“I had to catch myself briefly just thinking about what we’ve been through together and what those kids have sacrificed for our program. The resiliency that they’ve shown and stuck with us through some pretty turbulent times and that’s not always the norm these days,” Boynton said. “These guys have a great foundation at home and their parents have instilled great values of perseverance and I’m glad I’ve been a part of the journey with them”

OSU hosted Kansas State Wednesday night and they will travel to Texas to play the Longhorns at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2.