Collinses Get Their Best Shot at UCLA

These days, any time the Collins twins take a shot, it usually goes in.

They continued their torrid shooting Thursday night in front of family and friends during a homecoming at Pauley Pavilion.

Jarron made four of five shots and Jason was two for two, making them 26 for 29 in the last three games as Stanford defeated UCLA, 78-63, in a Pacific 10 Conference game.

These talented Valley boys who grew up in Northridge and led Harvard-Westlake High to consecutive state championships have settled into important roles for the Cardinal (18-1, 7-1 conference play).

The 6-foot-10 Jarron, who scored 15 points, is starting and averaging 12.2 points per game. The 6-11 Jason, who had eight rebounds, is finally healthy and averaging 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and making 67% of his shots as the first player off the bench.

“We’re taking high-percentage shots,” Jason said. “Everything is coming out of the offense. Nothing is one-on-one. When we get the opportunity to score, we usually connect.”

Added Jarron: “We’re really getting the ball in prime offensive position, where we’re able to finish.”

Jarron connected on his first three-pointer of the season.

Both were thrilled about coming home.

“I was very excited,” Jarron said. “The crowd heckling, I liked that.”

Said Jason: “Playing here is always fun. It was Jarron and I, the Collins twins, finally playing at Pauley Pavilion.”

They don’t look so identical any more. Jason has grown sideburns while Jarron has a shaved head. But nothing has changed in their work ethic or their unselfishness.

They do little things to help their team win. Jarron took two charging fouls. Jason played effective post defense on Jerome Moiso of UCLA in the second half after the Bruins cut a 20-point deficit to eight.

The twins’ parents, Portia and Paul, were sitting behind Stanford’s bench. They must marvel how quickly time passes.

“When I asked to see their grades, they told me, ‘As long as you see us on the court, you don’t have to worry about our grades,’ ” Portia said. “As a parent, I had to catch my breath because they’re growing up. They’ve taken over their own destinies.”

They’re honor students on the nation’s second-ranked basketball team and enjoying every moment of their college experience.