Men’s basketball SEC Power Rankings for Jan. 29: Vols near the top

Last week: Lost to Tennessee Volunteers; Defeated TCU Horned Frogs

Last rank: 13th

They are the only team in the conference with a losing record and without 10 wins. But the Vanderbilt Commodores have played the No. 4 ranked strength of schedule in the nation. Meanwhile, as we always say, SEC Power Rankings are based on how you’re playing at that moment.

So what did Vanderbilt do this past week? Well, they played the Tennessee Vols extremely tough on the road at Thompson-Boling Arena in shocking fashion.

After that, they faced the TCU Horned Frogs in the SEC/Big 12 challenge and scored the shocking upset of the weekend. TCU is a Top 25 RPI team and a major threat, and Vanderbilt beat them in Nashville 81-78. That was huge for them and for the look of the conference.

Bryce Drew’s team has slowly been improving recently, but a brutal schedule has kept them from being able to show it. Still, they do have two conference wins. And they have quality wins over TCU and the Alabama Crimson Tide. As a result, this is clearly a talented team that just needs more consistency.

Unfortunately for them, the brutal schedule doesn’t get any easier. This week, Vanderbilt faces the Kentucky Wildcats and Auburn Tigers on the road. So yeah, being No. 122 in the RPI despite that strength of schedule ranking makes an NCAA Tournament bid all but impossible. Still, they can play for some pride, respect, and a chance to be spoilers. Give these guys credit for not running from competition.