The Michigan State Spartans fought hard last night to get a statement win against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a much-needed win for them, and also a statement win since it came against the #4 ranked team in the country.

The Buckeyes had a great first half, but the Spartans stepped up on defense in the second half. Senior guard Joshua Langford sealed the win for the Spartans with two excellent plays in the clutch. With just over 30 seconds left, Langford received the ball. The Spartans were only up by one point and needed a bucket.

Langford took responsibility and buried a pull-up midrange shot, which gave them a three-point lead. Then with less than 10 seconds left, the Buckeyes had the ball. Down by two points, they desperately had to tie or look for the game-winner. Duane Washington Jr. drove to the rim, but Langford clamped him up with some excellent defense, and that secured the win.

Prior to that shot, Langford was struggling. He was just 1-6 from the field, but he sank the crucial shot.

Four games left to decide the Michigan State Spartans’ fate

This was the third win in a row for the Spartans. The streak began with a road win against the Indiana Hoosiers in a close seven-point victory. Aaron Henry had an amazing 27 point display, and he led the team to the win.

Their second win was also a huge win, coming against the #5 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini. Langford had a huge 13 point, 16 rebound game which helped them to upset the Illini, who were led by Wooden Award candidate Ayo Dosunmu.

But despite this form, they are still not guaranteed to make the NCAA tournament yet. Back-to-back top-5 wins should definitely boost their at-large bid, but they need powerful performances in their final four games as well. They face Maryland Terrapins first, followed by a rematch against Indiana. But their final two games are against archrivals, Michigan Wolverines, which will be the ultimate test.

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The Spartans currently have a 22-year streak of consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, which is currently the fourth-longest streak in NCAA basketball. Tom Izzo’s boys will aim to do their best to preserve it, but it will not be easy.

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