Michigan State basketball: 5 bold predictions for ranked battle with UCLA

Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. UCLA in Las Vegas Invitational

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Tom Izzo the head coach talks with Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Josh Langford leads all scorers

If you’re looking for a model of consistency on the offensive side of the court this season, it has to be Josh Langford. The junior wing has been as consistent as they come, averaging 17 points per game with two 18-point performances and two 16-point outings — it doesn’t get any more consistent than that.

Michigan State needs Langford to be this level-headed all season long in order to make a run in March and it does feel as if he’s turned a corner in his career.

It’s not like he only plays well against no-name teams as he scored 18 points against the No. 1 team in the country in the opener. This UCLA matchup shouldn’t faze him much, if at all.

Langford will lead all scorers with 23 points on Thursday, taking over in the second half with a barrage of 3-pointers. He’s improved his shot, making 48 percent from the field and about 41 percent from long range.

The departure of Miles Bridges has helped him showcase his talents as a pure scorer. This kid is going to have plenty of high-scoring games this season and this will be his first 20-point outing.

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