Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from tough loss at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 27: Nojel Eastern #20 and Matt Haarms #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers reach for a rebound against Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans at Mackey Arena on January 27, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans drives past Tray Maddoc Jr. #2 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first half at Breslin Center on December 21, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. This team needs Josh Langford back, after all

Through the first half, it was never more evident. Michigan State needs Josh Langford back, and sooner would be better than later. Sure, the tired legs were obvious, but the team lacked a solid second or third scorer and it led to just 19 points in the first half which was the lowest output in a single half for this program since 2014.

Langford provides a threat from anywhere on the floor, it would give Matt McQuaid a chance to play point and rest Cassius Winston and would be ideal for the overall depth and it would diminish fatigue — especially on the junior point guard.

Michigan State fans were starting to think, “Is this team better without Josh Langford?” That was a somewhat valid question seeing as the Spartans hadn’t lost a game with him out, but the obvious answer to those who have seen what Langford can do was a resounding no.

There will be kinks to work out in terms of chemistry when he comes back, but this team could use another double-digit scorer and top-tier defender.

The Spartans struggled on the offensive end for 20-plus minutes and Langford could have relieved some of that.

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