UCLA’s Fresh Princes Close to Crown : West: Bailey and Henderson play like veterans in victory over Connecticut.

They began the celebration apart but eventually found one another and embraced, sharing a few encouraging words and smiles.

Only then was the moment complete for guard Toby Bailey and forward J.R. Henderson, the standout UCLA freshmen who have done so much so quickly. Because as Bailey and Henderson stood together, they knew they were finally where they should be.

“We feel we’re a part of the same thing,” Henderson said Saturday after he and Bailey played key roles in the Bruins’ 102-96 victory over Connecticut in the West Regional title game at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

“We’re kind of a part of each other out there on the court. A lot of times when you hear one of our names being called, the other name won’t be too far behind.”

Their names were heard often Saturday, which is a big reason UCLA is in the Final Four.

Bailey played 38 of 40 minutes and scored a team-high 26 points, making 10 of 16 shots from the field. He scored the Bruins’ first five points, made several timely plays and was selected to the all-region team.

Connecticut swingman Ray Allen guarded Bailey--and left impressed.

“We all expected big things from him,” said Allen, who scored 36 points. “He’s a great athlete and he made some great moves.

“It was a battle. We went at each other throughout the whole game.”

Henderson played 30 minutes and scored 18 points on nine-of-12 shooting. His presence made the difference in the middle as starting center George Zidek played only 12 minutes because of foul trouble.

“Any time I get into foul trouble, he steps up and fills my spot,” Zidek said. “It was probably better to have him in there, especially with a running team.”

UCLA star forward Ed O’Bannon wasn’t worried about his younger teammates, either.

“J.R. is a leader himself,” the Bruins’ undisputed leader said. “He learns easy and he picks things up.

“Once us three seniors (point guard Tyus Edney and Zidek are the others) leave, he’s going to be one of the leaders of this team. He’s going to do great things.”

Connecticut cut the Bruins’ lead to 56-53 with about 16 minutes to play. But back-to-back fast-break baskets by Bailey and Henderson, plus Edney’s three-point shot, enabled UCLA to take a 63-53 lead about a minute later.

“Every time we got a little closer, they made plays,” Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun said. “Bailey is a terrific player and Henderson is going to be a terrific player.”

Bruin Coach Jim Harrick said both are terrific now.

“I thought Toby was aggressive all game long and I thought J.R. did a great job helping to watch the post guys,” Harrick said. “But it’s not anything they haven’t done consistently over the year.”

Pacific 10 coaches agree. They selected Bailey and Henderson to the conference’s all-freshman team. Each has led UCLA through tense situations and to crucial victories, along the way growing individually and together.

Henderson began the season in the starting lineup and Bailey was a key reserve. When Harrick switched their roles late in the season, they continued to support each other.

“We’ve been through a lot,” Bailey said. “With J.R. starting at first, I never got upset.

“I supported him and I knew it must have been hard when I came in, but he supported me. He was behind me the whole time. He stayed confident in himself and I’m glad he was.”

Harrick is glad for several reasons. Bailey and Henderson are high on his list.

“We haven’t put the safe on their backs and said, ‘You’re the man, and you have to carry us,’ ” Harrick said, “because we’ve got seniors to guide them. But I certainly will do that next year for them.”