Tuesday night, the Cowboys ran their record to 11-1 with a 79-68 victory over Stanford.
"I wish we were 12-0," Ford said. Oklahoma State's lone loss was a 56-51 loss on Nov. 26 to Virginia Tech in the 76 Classic.
The players should be proud and humble about the 11-1 record. The Pokes have won 11 games, and haven't played a complete game, yet, Ford said.
The coach hopes his charges won't go away for the holidays, get out of playing shape and forget everything they have learned and accomplished en route to the 11-1 record.
"We need to continue the climb up the ladder," Ford said. "I'm a little concerned about the break."
The Cowboys will travel to Spokane, Wash., to face Gonzaga on Dec. 31 before hosting University of Texas San Antonio on Jan. 3 in the final tuneup before Big 12 play starts Jan. 8 against Kansas State at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
"It was a big win before Gonzaga. ... We needed this win before we go to Gonzaga. Gonzaga is one of the toughest places to play," Ford said.
The Bulldogs (6-5) before Wednesday's game against Xavier posted their signature win of the season so far on Dec. 18 with a 68-64 win over the previously unbeaten and then-9th ranked Baylor Bears.
Gonzaga may be tough but the Big 12 schedule should be much tougher.
No. 3 Kansas is 10-0. Four teams – OSU, No. 25 Texas A&M, No. 9 Missouri and No. 15 Baylor – have one loss. Three teams – Iowa State, Nebraska and No. 18 Texas – have two losses and two teams – Colorado and No. 11 Kansas State – have three.
Oklahoma is at .500 with a 6-6 record and Texas Tech is 5-6.
The Big 12 has six teams in the AP Poll and USA Today/ESPN poll released Dec. 20. Oklahoma State isn't ranked but is receiving some poll votes.
A win over Gonzaga may put the Cowboys into the Top 25.
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