Oregon narrowly beats Hawaii 60-59 in season opener, overcoming injuries and a late rally.

Oregon narrowly defeated Hawaii 60-59 in a season opener in Eugene, overcoming the absence of injured star Jackson Shelstad. Elon transfer Takai Simpkins scored 18 points, including the game-winning layup with three seconds left. Nate Bittle added 12 points and 14 rebounds. Hawaii tied the game at 50 with a 14-0 run, sparked by a dunk from Dre Bullock, and briefly took the lead on a jumper by former Oregon player Isaac Johnson, who finished with 13 points and eight rebounds before fouling out. Oregon’s Kwame Evans exited with a knee injury midway through the second half. Despite missing key shots in the final minutes, Oregon secured the win as Hawaii’s last-second attempt by Hunter Erickson missed.