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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for first battle with No. 2 Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 8, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (11) shoots on Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (11) shoots on Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 23: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket with teammate A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 23, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 23: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket with teammate A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 23, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Joshua Langford has his best game of the season

Joshua Langford’s best game of the season happened just last week as Michigan State hosted Illinois. He played 36 minutes, shot 6-for-11 from the floor for 13 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds. He was simply just everywhere and did the dirty work en route to a big Michigan State win.

That’s what leaders are supposed to do.

Being a fifth-year senior, playing in a hostile environment like at No. 2 Michigan will present its challenges, but the Spartans will look up to a guy like Langford to remain unfazed by the pressure.

Langford has been in his share of rivalry games in the past but this is his first crack at Michigan since his sophomore year when his heavily-favored Spartans lost to the Wolverines twice. You know he hasn’t forgotten that letdown. Langford is 1-3 in four career games against Michigan and hasn’t played in a game that the Spartans won against the Wolverines since 2016-17.

He wants this one.

Langford will do his best Aaron Henry impression and put the offense on his back, having his best game of the season on the biggest stage. He’ll approach 20 points and shoot lights-out from mid-range and even drop a couple of threes. He’ll also grab seven rebounds and play stellar defense.

All this while running on fumes.

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