Pocatello, ID -- (Sports Network) - Matt Stucki poured in a game-high 20 points to lead the fourth-seeded Idaho State Bengals to a 67-60 victory over the fifth-seed Northern Colorado Bears in the opening round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament at Holt Arena.

Donnie Carson added 12 points in the win for Idaho State (13-18), while Austin Kilpatrick chipped in 10 points to go with seven rebounds for the Bengals.

The duo of Will Figures and John Pena scored 14 points apiece to lead Northern Colorado (14-18) in the losing effort.

The Bengals were limited to a mere 36.4 percent shooting from the floor during the opening period of play, allowing the Bears to take a 36-30 lead into the break.

In the second half, the Bengals battled back with a 42.1 percent shooting effort from the field and a 19-of-24 performance at the charity stripe, enabling them to earn the seven-point win.

Idaho State advances in the tournament and will face second-seeded Portland State on Tuesday night.