Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from big win over Texas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Tom Izzo (R) of the Michigan State Spartans and his team pose after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots against Jericho Sims #20 of the Texas Longhorns during the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

2. Josh Langford is showing he can be ‘that guy’

There were plenty of doubts surrounding Josh Langford heading into the season. With Miles Bridges gone, he would likely have to be that “go-to” scoring option on the offensive end while holding his own as a lockdown defender.

Through six games, Langford is showing he can be ‘that guy’ for the Spartans.

In fact, the junior wing man leads the team with 18.5 points per game and he’s grabbing four boards per game and continuously guarding the opposing team’s best player. He was the main reason for the Michigan State comeback against Texas, scoring 29 points after being blanked in the first 10 minutes of the game.

Langford is on pace to have a career season which would likely include All-Big Ten first-team honors and he may even contend for the player of the year.

Who would have thought Langford would be this effective through the first six games, almost single-handedly getting the Spartans back in the game against Texas and extending the lead?

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