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.
GAME NOTES:
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