Michigan State basketball: 5 reasons Josh Langford injury won't derail run

Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans can contend without Josh Langford

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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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Ivan Bender #13 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Cassius Winston is playing at an elite level

This has been the case all year long, not just with Josh Langford sidelined, but Cassius Winston has been playing at an elite level for the Spartans.

What does this have to do with Langford’s injury and the Spartans being just fine? Well, Winston has made up for the loss of a third scorer on more than a few occasions and he has the ability to take over a game and swing momentum almost single-handedly.

Winston is the front-runner for Big Ten Player of the Year and if he can continue to play at such a high level, there aren’t many teams that are going to be able to slow the Spartans.

Just look at the second half against Purdue last weekend. Michigan State wasn’t getting anything to go and then Winston heated up and everyone fed off that energy. Michigan State turned a 23-point deficit into a four-point one before a critical Matt McQuaid foul on a Carsen Edwards’ 3-pointer essentially ended the comeback effort.

Winston is playing like the best player in the conference and he has plenty of help from the depth on this team. No Langford? No problem.

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