You have to not just win 8 states, but have a majority delegation from 8 states. At best Ted will have 5 after tonight.
And if the convention goes open, look for rule changes on day 1. They are already plotting.
It’s a long way to Cleveland from here, but from my seat I can’t see a scenario in which Ted can win without an outright delegate majority on arrival.
Look at the non-endorsement endorsements from Romney, Graham, and the like. They are not supporting Ted, they are riding Ted as the only horse left that has any hope of keeping Trump from the outright majority. His prize will NOT be the nomination, that has never been their goal.
I am a Cruz supporter and I think Trump will lose big in November. But if Trump gets 1237 delegates he is the winner. If the GOP screws Trump out of the nomination, and gives it to anyone else, including Cruz, I walk.
If Trump end up significantly short, like 100 or so, I have no problem with Cruz, but no one else. They do some GOPe I walk.