STANFORD, Calif. (AP) – Casey Jacobsen scored 19 points and Jason Collins had 16 points and 11 rebounds as third-ranked Stanford beat Georgia Tech 80-66 to win the Stanford Invitational on Tuesday night.
In their toughest test of the young season, the Cardinal (8-0) handled Georgia Tech’s full-court press with their familiar formula of tough inside play and proficient outside shooting. Twin brothers Jason and Jarron Collins combined for 31 points and 19 rebounds while playing excellent defense.
Stanford also got 15 points apiece from Ryan Mendez, who hit four 3-pointers, and Jarron Collins to remain undefeated before Thursday’s showdown with top-ranked Duke at the Pete Newell Challenge in Oakland. Duke beat Portland 97-64 Tuesday.
The Cardinal needed a few minutes to adjust to Georgia Tech’s press, which caused five straight turnovers early in the first half. The Yellow Jackets led 24-20 before the Cardinal scored 12 unanswered points during an 18-3 run.
Shaun Fein led the Yellow Jackets with 24 points, hitting six 3-pointers. Tony Akins and Marvin Lewis scored 11 points apiece for Georgia Tech.
The Collins twins led Stanford out of trouble with strong play around the basket, particularly against shot-blocking Georgia Tech center Alvin Jones, who was limited to five rebounds and two blocks.
Despite the loss, the Yellow Jackets (6-3), who took Stanford to overtime before losing their meeting last season, built on their strong start to the season with a game effort against the bigger Cardinal. Fein single-handedly kept Georgia Tech close in the second half with 11 points in the first seven minutes after halftime.
The Yellow Jackets didn’t get many calls at Maples Pavilion, and their frustration showed in Jones’ angry reaction to a hard foul by Mendez in the closing minutes. Jones fouled out with six seconds to play.
Playing for the second time in two nights after a 16-day break, Stanford won its holiday tournament for the third straight season. In the consolation game, Idaho State beat Sacred Heart 95-59.
