Pirate Galaxy » d Mardle.Michael was the favourite

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- 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 from a poor performance 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 in which Izzo lamented the play of Langford publicly and privately.I knew I hadnt done a good job for Michigan State, and my teammates, Langford said. This time, I didnt care about scoring.Langford has gotten off to a slow start this season, scoring in single digits in his first nine games, in part because of a hamstring injury that made it look like he was laboring to run fluidly with his ailing left leg. Izzo said Langford isnt in pain, but also is not in good condition because of how limited he has been physically this season.Im trying to get him more shots, more playing time and get him in better shape, Izzo said.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 dont 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 States Miles Bridges missed a second straight game with a sprained left ankle. Youngstown States 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.BIG PICTUREYoungstown State: The Penguins had enough energy to hang with Michigan State in the first half with one tie and one lead change, but they didnt have enough to keep it close without Morse. He is averaging 23.7 points.Hes a special offensive player, Slocum said.Michigan State: Izzo didnt like how any of his wings played in the previous game, and wasnt thrilled with any of them besides Langford even though senior Eron Harris and sophomore Matt McQuaid also scored in double figures. Harris had 13 points and McQuaid scored 11, but they were a combined 10 of 26 overall and 4 of 15 on 3-point shots and didnt play well enough at the other end for Izzo.When I got two freshmen playing better defense than a sophomore and a senior, thats not too settling for me, Izzo said.IN THE PAINTNick 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. Ward played 20 minutes, coming in and out of the game more frequently than Izzo would like because hes not in good enough shape to play more consistently.Nick has got to be able to play more than 3, 4 minutes in a stretch, Izzo said.BRING THE BUZZWithout Miles, the Spartans are lacking a playmaker that fires up the team and the crowd.He makes a lot of electric dunks, McQuaid said. We have to find that energy he brings.PUT ME IN, COACHMatt Van Dyk grabbed a career-high nine rebounds, more than doubling his previous high.Im 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 NEXTYoungstown State: Plays at American on Saturday.Michigan State: Hosts Tennessee Tech.---More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25Denzel Valentine Jersey . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. Michael Jordan Bulls Jersey . "Were just throwing s--- at the wall hoping something sticks," said Tortorella about the possible line combinations for Fridays game against Columbus. The Canucks have lost five straight games and six of their last seven, leaving them in a logjam in the Pacific Division, currently sitting fifth - good for ninth in the Western Conference. http://www.officialbullsfanstore.com/kids-lauri-markkanen-bulls-jersey/ . According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. Toni Kukoc Bulls Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. Antonio Blakeney Jersey . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said.Michael van Gerwen refused to engage Phil Taylor in a verbal battle after their latest Premier League showdown, says Wayne Mardle.Van Gerwen and Taylor played out a dramatic 6-6 draw on night seven and the pair then shared a lively post-match interview at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.With Mighty Mike standing a few inches away, Taylor warned his rival: Look into my eyes, Im going to get him. Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle had joined the pair on stage and believes Van Gerwen was purposefully blocking out this defiant prediction from The Power. Normally in years gone by, the player that is playing Phil hangs on every word he says, because hes been the master. But Michael feels hes better than him. Wayne Mardle Michael, you could clearly see, could not give a hoot what Phil Taylor was saying or doing, said Mardle. He was just disappointed.Hes got a respect for Phil on the board, but once the game was done he just wanted to be out of there. He didnt want to listen to Phil. Michael van Gerwen missed three winning darts as Phil Taylor came from 5-1 behind to draw six all with the Dutchman in the Premier League Normally in years gone by, the player that is playing Phil hangs on every word he says, because hes been the master, but Michael feels hes better than him. Price Boost Smith, Anderson & Lewis alll to win now 13/2 from 11/2 Phil was the one over the moon and actually said a draw was a good result.dddddddddddd Michael didnt feel that way, not at 5-1 up. He would have been absolutely livid and devastated.Taylor overcame an early deficit to claim a draw and Mardle feels the 55-year-old would have gained confidence from this battling result.But the Sky Sports expert insists the story of the match was more about Van Gerwen giving away a point rather than Taylor deservedly earning one. Michael van Gerwen hit the first 170 of the 2016 Premier League to move within a leg of beating Phil Taylor Walking away with the upper hand, it would have been Phil Taylor, because Michael had darts to win and didnt, said Mardle.Michael was the favourite to win and didnt. Being 5-1 up, that would have hurt Michael. But Michael still played well and showed that he has to miss for Phil to get anything out of that game.In my opinion we learned little. Michael should have won and didnt. The only thing that you could say was something to hang onto - was that Phil believes hes still got the game to beat Michael van Gerwen, which is obviously a positive for the world of darts.SKY BET PRICE BOOST: MVG to win, hit the highest checkout & score most 180s now 1/1 (was 8/11)!Watch all of the Premier League action this Thursday night, starting at 7pm on Sky Sports 1. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.Also See:Mardles PL predictionsSky Live: PL night eightFixtures/ResultsPrem Table ' ' '