Take a few minutes to look through the Vanderbilt NCAA resume and you’ll find the makings of a classic Power 5 conference member on the tournament bubble. There are, of course, big wins situated nearly side-by-side with head-scratching losses.
After losing at Mississippi State, the Commodores came right back and put together a three game win-streak, beating the likes of Florida and most recently, Kentucky. A team that had been looking at a Selection Sunday full of disappointment has now given themselves the chance to sneak into the field and save this season from being a complete letdown.
Kevin Stallings’ group was pegged by many as being worthy of consideration for the SEC crown once it became obviously that Kentucky wasn’t the same UK squad as years passed. However, the struggles of Riley LaChance and Damian Jones, particularly early in the season, helped contribute to their overall lack of success.
It’s been Jones who has been a key for Vandy in their recent win streak. He’s averaged 19 points per game in that span, including a 15 points, 16 rebounds performance against Georgia and 27 points to go with seven rebounds against Florida.
The key now is to avoid a loss at home to Tennessee, not to mention the chance to steal one on the road in College Station against Texas A&M.
Do that, and the Vanderbilt NCAA resume all of the sudden has a bit of steam heading into the SEC Tournament and Selection Sunday.
