Michigan State University
Youngstown State
Langford Powers Spartans Past Youngstown State, 77-57
12/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | USATSI Gallery 
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Josh Langford was challenged by Tom Izzo to play better at both ends of the court, and the freshman responded well enough to satisfy his hard-to-please coach.
Langford had a season-high 15 points and improved his play defensively, helping Michigan State bounce back with a 77-57 win over Youngstown State on Tuesday night.
The Spartans (6-4) were coming off a four-point win over Oral Roberts.
The Penguins (5-5) were led by Matt Donlan, who scored 15 of his 21 points in the first half, and Francisco Santiago, who had eight of his 13 points after halftime. Youngstown State made just 33 percent of its shots.
''We just don't have that third guy,'' Youngstown State coach Jerry Slocum said.
Both teams were without their leading scorers, both of whom are from Flint, Michigan.
Michigan State's Miles Bridges missed a second straight game with a sprained left ankle. Youngstown State's Cameron Morse sat out a third consecutive game with an injured right wrist.
The Spartans led by seven points at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
IN THE PAINT
Nick Ward had 13 points and eight rebounds a game after the freshman forward scored a season-high 24 points and matched his best game on the boards with 10 rebounds.
PUT ME IN, COACH
Matt Van Dyk grabbed a career-high nine rebounds, more than doubling his previous high.
''I'm trying to figure out if that is good news or bad news,'' Izzo said. ''We put that kid in a tough situation.''
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound former walk-on was needed in the post because Ward was often too tired to play more and Kenny Goins fouled out in just 15 minutes.
UP NEXT
Michigan State: Hosts Tennessee Tech.
