All for Tennessee Official Men’s Basketball SEC Power Rankings for Jan. 23: A Clear Top 2

Even in a loss last Saturday to the Kentucky Wildcats, the South Carolina Gamecocks should have no shame. They have proven that they are in the elite class of the SEC and deserve this No. 2 spot in our SEC Power Rankings.

The Gamecocks first showed it by being able to out-defend the Florida Gators in their 57-53 win last week.

Afterward, they showed they clearly aren’t on the most elite level in their 85-69 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. But that game was in Lexington.

And Florida losing to Vanderbilt means that Frank Martin’s team is clearly No. 2 in these SEC Power Rankings.

After such a strong season last year, the Gamecocks are in perfect shape to finally get to that elusive NCAA Tournament under Martin.

This year, at 15-4, they actually have a decent strength of schedule at No. 28. And it’s helped their RPI ranking, which now stands at No. 20.

Martin’s defense-first mentality works when Sindarius Thornwell and PJ Dozier accept the load they need to carry when it comes to scoring.

Of course, after a brutal run last week, they’re about to get a break.

The Gamecocks have a big game against the Auburn Tigers this week, but then they get to face the Missouri Tigers and LSU Tigers in back to back weeks.

Now, those are both road games. But they are games the Gamecocks should win. And they could easily get to 18-4 and 8-1 in the conference before hosting the Georgia Bulldogs in a huge game Feb. 4.