Recap: Illinois State vs. Northwestern

South Padre Island, TX (Sports Network) - Four made free throws in the last 20 seconds of overtime by Dave Sobolewski were key as the Northwestern Wildcats held on to defeat the Illinois State Redbirds, 72-69, in the title game of the South Padre Island Invitational at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

Jared Swopshire recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (6-0). Drew Crawford scored 20 points and came up a rebound shy of a double-double. Sobolewski and Reggie Hearn contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.

The Redbirds (5-1) were paced by Tyler Brown, who scored a career-high 36 points. Jackie Carmichael was the only other Redbird in double figures, recording a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The first half ended with the Redbirds holding to a 26-23 advantage. They put forth a solid defensive effort in the frame, holding the Wildcats to 24.1 percent shooting from the floor.

Northwestern stepped up its shooting to 43.5 percent in the second half, but a three-pointer by Brown with 10 seconds left in regulation forced overtime. Northwestern never trailed in the extra session, draining 10-of-11 from the foul line to fend off Illinois State.

Northwestern forced 20 turnovers and knocked down 23-of-27 shots from the free throw line.