UCLA coach Ben Howland didn’t need to say anything to
Darren Collison before Tuesday’s game against Albany. With
sophomore point guard and team leader Jordan Farmar slated to miss
the game due to an ankle injury, Collison already knew. “When
Jordan’s out, I know I have to step my game up,” he
said. After a rough first half in which he had just 2 points and
three turnovers, Collison did just that. The freshman point guard
hit two huge 3-pointers down the stretch to make sure the Bruins
avoided the momentous upset, and he looked much better in all
facets in the second 20 minutes of play. “Like any freshman,
it’s going to take time, especially when you’re thrown
out there,” said sophomore guard Arron Afflalo. “I was
very impressed with him down the stretch. He made some huge shots
for us.” Tuesday marked the second time this season that
Collison, who finished with 10 points in 28 minutes against Albany,
had to fill in for Farmar. Collison played 35 minutes in the
team’s victory over Delaware State on Nov. 19. He also
started the team’s two exhibition games while Farmar was
sidelined with an injured groin. On Tuesday, Collison appeared
uncomfortable in the first half, committing several careless
turnovers and having a slam dunk attempt blocked from behind. After
halftime, however, he showed a great deal more poise and maturity.
“I got a lot more comfortable,” said Collison, who had
8 points and only two turnovers after the break. “In the
first half we had a lot of careless turnovers, and I put that
mistake on me.” After the game, Howland had mixed reviews for
his young freshman.”I thought Darren made some big shots
there down the stretch when the game was close,” Howland
said. “His big challenge is going to be becoming a better
defender.”
HEIGHT’S NOTHING BUT A NUMBER: The Bruins
didn’t have an answer Tuesday night for 5-foot-9 Albany guard
Jon Iati, who finished with six 3-pointers and a season-high 23
points. “That little guard is a heck of a shooter,”
Howland said. “He was pulling them right in our
face.”
INJURY UPDATE: Freshman forward Alfred Aboya,
who has been out this season with a knee injury, is expected to
return to practice for 45 minutes Thursday. Howland hopes Aboya
will be able to play Sunday against Coppin State.