LAHAINA, Hawaii -- De'Riante Jenkins had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Virginia Commonwealth rode its attacking defense to a big early lead to beat California 83-69 in the Maui Invitational on Tuesday.
VCU (3-2) lost its Maui opener 94-83 to Marquette after giving up 22 second-chance points and failing to get out on its perimeter shooters.
The Rams had no problems on defense or offense in running away from the Bears (2-3).
Using its constant pressure to rattle the young Bears, VCU built a 26-point halftime lead and never looked back behind a rash of layups and 3-pointers.