THE TIP- OFF

Setting up the day in college basketball:

Best bet

No. 14 Gonzaga got a 21- point, 17- rebound outing from big man Sam Dower in Friday’s opening win against Bryant. He and the Bulldogs could get more of a test today when Colorado State visits the Kennel ( 9 p. m. ET, ESPNU). Coach Larry Eustachy’s Rams will be an inexperienced bunch after losing all five starters from last season’s NCAA round- of- 32 squad. Guard Daniel Bejarano stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points and 16 rebounds in an opening win against Division II UC- Colorado Springs. He figures to have a more challenging night against the Zags’ veteran backcourt of Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr.

Number of the day

13 Freshman Aaron Gordon got off to a solid start for fifthranked Arizona, providing 13 points for the Wildcats along with 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in staving off a determined challenge from Cal Poly. The Wildcats take on another Big West Conference contender today when Long Beach State visits the McKale Center.

Words of the day

“I agree. I think he should forfeit. If Johnny doesn’t want to play it, I’ll take a win. ... I think he’s trying to fool you media guys. I know and you know you’re too smart for that, but John must not know that.” — Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, on Kentucky’s John Calipari’s comment that it will be unfair when his young Wildcats play Izzo’s more experienced Spartans on Tuesday in a much- anticipated No. 1- vs.No. 2 showdown in Chicago.

Days until Selection Sunday

124

JAMES SNOOK, USA TODAY SPORTS Center Sam Dower, right, dominated in Gonzaga’s season- opening win.

JOHN MILLER, AP Arizona freshman Aaron Gordon, right, shined in his college debut.