UCLA vs. Pepperdine - Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

The young Bruins picked up their first win of the of 2009-10 season last Friday by beating Cal State Bakersfield, 75-64.  

After learning they would be without its only returning starter from last season, Nikloa Dragovic, UCLA fell behind early against the underdog Roadrunners from Bakersfield.  

But the Bruin team pulled together and found some consistency in their efforts on both ends of the court for the victory.

Senior James Keefe, starting in place of Dragovic, scored 10 points and helped bring some stability to the front line.

Dragovic has been suspended for at least tonight's game against Pepperdine by UCLA Coach  Ben Howland.  The school is still evaluating the circumstances around Dragovic's felony charge for assault in an incident that occurred last month.

Freshman forward Tyler Honeycutt is still out for at least 1-2 more weeks with a stress reaction in his right tibia.

This is the 20th meeting all-time against Pepperdine with UCLA leading the series 15-4. UCLA won the last meeting, an 85-83 win at home, during the 2004-05 season.

Tip off at Pauley Pavilion is at 8:00 PM.