Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State's NCAA tournament win over Bucknell

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on the Spartans' 82-78 win over Bucknell in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday night at Little Caesars Arena.

1. All the makings of Middle Tennessee State, but MSU countered every Bucknell spurt

DETROIT – I wondered three things primarily about this Michigan State basketball team entering the NCAA tournament: whether the Spartans could generate fluid and consistent offense; whether they were mentally tough enough to withstand a hot-shooting and determined opponent; and if we’d see a killer instinct emerge, especially from Miles Bridges

Bucknell ain’t Duke, but this was a good start.

The Bison were legit. Capable of beating MSU on many of the nights we saw from the Spartans in January and February. Capable of getting a win in the NCAA tournament as a 14 seed. What a rotten draw for them.

This game even had many of the makings of the Middle Tennessee State soul-crusher from two years ago. A seasoned Bucknell team made 5 of 7 3-pointers in the first half.

MSU had the offense to match. The mettle to respond to each run. And then, down the stretch, Bridges stuck the knife in, scoring 14 of his 29 points as the Spartans grew their lead from 52-46 to 70-54 over a nine-minute stretch in the second half.

This was the best MSU’s offense has looked for an entire game since December. Each time Bucknell made a move, the Spartans countered. When MSU fell behind for the only time, 29-28, MSU responded with six straight points from Joshua Langford and Cassius Winston.

When MSU’s lead was trimmed to 41-40 late in the half, the Spartans held Bucknell scoreless for the next two minutes and took a 44-40 lead into the break.

And then, in the second half, as Bucknell fought to hang around, Bridges took over in a way we haven’t seen, showing every facet of a growing game. Bucknell didn’t have a great matchup for him. Still, the post moves, the jump shots, the drives and banks — this was as much complete game as he’s shown at MSU. And the timing showed a killer instinct, perhaps a player sensing the moment.

Bridges got a bit sloppy late, which helped make the score closer than it needed to be — along with some ridiculous Bucknell outside shooting. But he’d done the job by then.

We’ll see if all of it carries over. Friday night couldn’t have been more promising for MSU.

MORE:Miles Bridges lights up Little Caesars Arena, leads Michigan State past Bucknell, 82-78

MORE:Michigan State in the NCAA tournament: Turning point, unsung hero and what's next

2. This version of Joshua Langford makes MSU a different team

Langford hadn’t had a day shooting like this since the Cleveland State game at the end of December. He’s been shooting 36 percent from the floor since Jan. 31. 

Friday, he hit 7 of 10 shots, 7 of 8 free throws, finishing with 22 points in 35 minutes. 

His quick start — he had all seven of his field goals and 15 points in the first half — helped keep Bucknell slightly at bay. 

A lot of folks have been calling for Matt McQuaid to start or play over Langford. But Langford’s ability to drive and pull up makes him different than McQuaid. When Langford is shooting decently, his ability to create is of tremendous value to MSU.

It was a good time to break out of a funk.

3. I thought the Patriot League was for smart folks

There is no surer way to awaken every element of MSU’s offense than to not double-team Nick Ward on the low block. It gets Ward going. Then you’re worried about Ward, and everyone else has a step on you.

Bucknell committed this foolish sin Friday night. Ward took three of MSU’s first six shots, all with good position against one defender — a couple hooks, then an up-and-under move. The Spartans quickly led 8-4. 

It might seem like a small thing. But it’s not. Not for this MSU team, which doesn’t always find an early rhythm. Frankly, it might have been the difference in this game. Not the 8-4 lead but the offensive cohesion it helped MSU find. 

In the second half, Bucknell changed course, doubled Ward, got the ball out of his hands and forced MSU to reset its offense. Too late by then.

With the Spartans — mostly Langford — shooting as they did early, perhaps leaving shooters to double Ward wouldn’t have worked. Not doubling Ward certainly didn’t. And the Bison should have known that. All 33 of MSU’s previous games were televised and available for scouting.

Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Graham_Couch.