Boulder, CO (Sports Network) - Alec Burks posted 20 points to lead the Colorado Buffaloes to an 88-80 victory over the Idaho State Bengals in a non- conference season opener.
Cory Higgins and Levi Knutson netted 16 points apiece for Colorado (1-0), which got 12 points from Marcus Relphorde and 11 rebounds from Andre Roberson.
Broderick Gilcrest exploded for 39 points on the strength of 6-of-8 shooting from three-point range for Idaho State (0-1). The Bengals also got 12 points apiece from Abner Moreira and Deividas Busma.
Both teams hit 16 shots from the floor in the first half, but Colorado outscored Idaho State 9-2 from the foul line and led 45-38 at intermission.
The Buffaloes were spectacular from the charity stripe over the final 20 minutes, nailing 17-of-18 shots to claim the win.
Colorado finished the game with 17 assists against only seven turnovers, 10 fewer giveaways than Idaho State committed.