Wink Helps Northwestern Defeat Long Beach State

Evan Eschmeyer scored 16 points and got 13 rebounds and Sean Wink, a former Brea Olinda High standout, also scored 16 points to lead Northwestern to a 67-47 victory over Long Beach State on Sunday.

It was Eschmeyer’s 50th consecutive game scoring in double figures for the Wildcats.

Wink made five three-pointers after getting six 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 minutes 25 seconds into the game.

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

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

Northwestern finished 30 of 41 on free throws. The 49ers (3-7) went 14 of 55 from the floor.

“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, and D’Cean Bryant and Mate Milisa added eight each. They were without forward Richie Smalls, who missed a flight from his home in New York.

Despite seven nonconference victories, Eschmeyer said the Wildcats still need 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.