College basketball rankings: Carson Cooper carries Michigan State as Spartans survive scare vs. Northwestern

Four different Michigan State players are averaging double-figures in points this season -- among them Carson Cooper, a 6-foot-11 center who is starting consistently for the first time in his college career and having his best year to date. On Thursday night against Northwestern, he was terrific and helped the Spartans overcome a second-half deficit and avoid getting upset at home. Final score: Michigan State 76, Northwestern 66. Cooper took six shots, made all six of them and finished with a career-high 18 points, nine rebounds and a block. He was also 6-of-8 from the free-throw line while helping Tom Izzo's Spartans improve to 14-2 on the season, 4-1 in the Big Ten. Midseason Transfer...