December 27, 1998

Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. - Evan Eschmeyer scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Northwestern to a 67-47 win over Long Beach State Sunday at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

It was Eschmeyer's 50th consecutive game with double-digit scoring for the Wildcats.

Sean Wink added in 16 points for the Wildcats, including five three-pointers - a continuation of his six of 12 three-point performance Wednesday against Boston College.

"When I see his confidence level like that, it encourages me an awful lot," Northwestern coach Kevin O'Neill said of Wink.

The Wildcats (7-2) scored the first nine points of the game before Ian Milley scored for the 49ers 5:25 into the game.

Eschmeyer also had a Big Ten leading fifth double-double by halftime as the sixth year senior scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the first 20 minutes.

After Wink opened the second half with his fourth three-pointer, Northwestern - who've led at the half in every game this season - never let Long Beach State closer than 13 points.

Northwestern finished 30 of 41 from the foul line, while the 49ers (3-7) went 14 of 55 from the floor, just 25 percent.

"Offensively, we played extremely poorly," Long Beach State coach Wayne Morgan said. "We missed a lot of shots that we're capable of making. We missed eight layups. You tell me is that our poor shooting or is that their defense?"

Ramel Lloyd led the 49ers with 14 points, while D'Cean Bryant and Mate Milisa added eight apiece. They were without forward Richie Smalls, who missed a flight from his home in New York.

Despite seven nonconference wins, Eschmeyer said the Wildcats still needs to improve for their Big Ten opener against Iowa next week.

"I'm as happy and confident with this team as I've ever been with a team, but we have a long way to go," he said.