EVANSTON, Ill. — Joshua Langford went to Michigan State basketball’s bench after picking up his third foul. He stood drinking from a water bottle during the stoppage of play as Tom Izzo made one more late substitution, inserting Foster Loyer for Rocket Watts.
Watts came off the court unhappy, his head drooping. Langford sensed the frustration from his teammate, and the captain glided down the sideline to pull Watts far away from the bench, giving him a stern but positive talking-to.
[ MSU falls to No. 11, Michigan basketball up to 18 in coaches poll ]
Moments later, Aaron Henry sensed his teammates losing focus.