UCLA TODAY

vs. Pepperdine, 3 p.m., FSNW2

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- XTRA 1150/690.

Records -- Pepperdine, 7-1, UCLA 4-1.

Update -- Freshman forward Josh Shipp will probably get his first start of the season for UCLA, replacing senior Dijon Thompson, who re-injured a cut on his shooting hand in Sunday’s loss to Boston College. Thompson needed 13 stitches and isn’t expected to return to practice until late next week at the earliest. Shipp will join fellow freshmen Arron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar in the starting lineup. Thompson is UCLA’s leading scorer and rebounder, and Coach Ben Howland said he expects better rebounding from all his players to help fill the void. He also says that backup guard Brian Morrison “needs to do better” with his shooting. Morrison, who, Howland says, may have the quickest shot release in the country, is shooting only 31.6%, and he took several ill-advised three-point shots in the Bruins’ first loss. Senior guard Janou Rubin, who has played only two minutes this season, will also pick up playing time. Three years ago, when UCLA and Pepperdine last played, the Waves won, 85-78, for their fourth victory in 18 games against the Bruins. The Waves, off to their best start in almost 20 years, are led by senior forward Glen McGowan, who averages 19 points a game, and junior guard Alex Acker at 15.6.

Tickets -- (310) 825-2946.

-- Diane Pucin