OKLAHOMA CITY — Following Iowa State’s 74-67 loss to Kansas State at the Big 12 Tournament, one big question remained.

Will Iowa State make the NCAA Tournament?

A month ago, that kind of question would have seemed like a joke. Now, after Iowa State reeled off five consecutive wins — including a win at then-No. 6 Texas — the Cyclones find themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Charlie Creme of ESPN had Iowa State in the tournament as of Saturday morning as a 10-seed.

Saturday’s loss to Kansas State shouldn’t hurt Iowa State’s resume too much, considering Kansas State is a projected 6-seed for the NCAA Tournament.

In fact, Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie said Iowa State belongs in the Big Dance.

“I feel very strongly that Iowa State is an NCAA Tournament team,” Mittie said. “And while they may not listen to me, if the eye test is true and anybody has two good eyes, that’s an NCAA Tournament team.

“That was an NCAA Tournament game this morning that you saw and I hope that they’re certainly in there.”

Iowa State’s ratings percentage index stacks up with other bubble teams. The Cyclones had an RPI ranking better than all of the “first four out” teams, and only one of the “last four in” teams had a better RPI entering Saturday.

Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said he thinks his team has earned a bid.

“I wish coach Mittie was on the committee,” Fennelly said. “I would think our chances are good… our kids have played hard. We’ve played well down the stretch.

“We’re 9-9 in a great league. We’ve had some huge wins, obviously the win at Texas late. No really bad losses. I think if you compare us to other teams, I think we’ve earned that but, again, that’s a choice someone else will make.”

ESPN currently projects six teams from the Big 12 to make the NCAA Tournament. Iowa State finished fifth in the league and swept West Virginia, which finished sixth.

The NCAA Selection Show takes place Monday, March 13 and will air on ESPN.