Alec Burks scored 20 points and host Colorado held off a stubborn Idaho State to make a winner out of Tad Boyle in his Colorado coaching debut 88-80 in the season opener for both teams Friday night.

Broderick Gilchrest scored 39 points for Idaho State. He hit six 3-pointers in the game.

Colorado led 45-37 at the half and the Bengals managed to keep the game close through the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Abner Moreia tipped in a missed jumper by Mike Lacey to get Idaho State to within 62-55 with 9:25 left. But the Buffaloes went on a 10-2 run capped by a 3-pointer by Austin Dufault to give them a 72-57 lead just two minutes later.

Idaho State got back to within six points after a pair of free throws by Lacey with 40 seconds to go. They could get no closer.

The Buffaloes put the game away at the free throw line by making 26 of 33, including 10 for 10 by Burks.

Colorado went 15-16 last season.

Deividas Busma, a 7-foot center who took a medical redshirt last year, scored 12 points for Idaho State.