Out the Lions came, to the reception of an audience waving Hank Hankies and handmade banners and pennants and jerseys and anything and everything that reminded them of the man who was missing. Loyola's players limbered up, shot some shots, dodged TV cameramen who aimed at them from above and below, then huddled together at center court for one last show of Loyola loyalty, to hold hands.

they set out to live up to it. Larger teams, more muscular teams, bigger-biceped teams-such as the Michigan monsters lurking around the corner for the winner of Loyola's regional game-could honestly say that they were stronger than the Lions physically. But emotionally? Who in college basketball could be stronger than Loyola's players emotionally, considering the events of the last couple weeks?

You knew it wouldn't last, couldn't last. You knew that this was sudden and savage, strictly a burst of pent-up energy that had to be let loose sometime, let loose on some poor someone. And sure enough, Loyola Marymount's feet finally started touching the floor again. New Mexico State came back, made a game of it, reminded Loyola there was work to do.