Loyola Proves Very Timely in Getting Off to Best Start

Jim Williamson, the shortest man on the court, grabbed a missed Hawaii free throw with nine seconds left and drove the length of the court and made a falling shot at the buzzer Tuesday night to lift Loyola Marymount to an 82-80 victory over the Rainbows in an opening round game of the Nike Festival.

Hawaii (2-2) had a chance to take the lead, but Danny Furlong missed both free throws and the Rainbows failed to block out Williamson, a 5-foot-10 guard, who raced down the middle of the court and dribbled around two defenders before making the game-winning 12-footer.

The Lions, in getting off to their best start ever at 7-1, were kept in the game behind the work of Ime Oduok, who scored a career-high 34 points, on 11 of 12 shots from the field and 12 of 15 from the foul line. He also had seven rebounds. Williamson finished with 14 points.

The game was close all the way with 16 ties and nine lead changes.

* TUESDAY’S LATE GAME