RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — The Riverside City College men’s basketball team used a dominant defensive performance and a balanced scoring attack to cruise past Orange Coast College 83-56 in a California Community College Athletic Association game Wednesday night.

The visiting Tigers seized control early, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looking back. Riverside’s defensive pressure was the story, forcing 18 Pirates turnovers and converting them into consistent offensive opportunities. Orange Coast struggled mightily from the field, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting just 10 percent on three-point attempts.

The most important part of the game was Riverside’s initial surge and Orange Coast’s inability to mount any significant response. After a slow start for both teams, Riverside found its rhythm midway through the first quarter. A steal by Jaedon Hose-Shea led to his three-pointer, part of a run that stretched the Tigers’ lead. While Orange Coast’s Chris Obiajulu kept his team within reach with 17 first-half points, Riverside consistently answered every Pirates basket. The Tigers closed the first quarter strong and opened the second with a Kavon Ray three-pointer and a Kollen Murphy layup, extending their lead to a margin the Pirates would not threaten again.

Riverside improved to 8-6 overall, while Orange Coast fell to 1-14.

PJ Pounds led the Tigers with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Kollen Murphy added a game-high 21 points. Tylon Williams contributed 11 points, and Kavon Ray finished with 10.

For Orange Coast, Chris Obiajulu was the lone bright spot, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. Zach Moloian added 10 points and five assists, and Logan Barbee scored 11 points off the bench.

Statistically, Riverside’s efficiency told the tale. The Tigers posted an offensive rating of 113.3 points per 100 possessions, compared to a meager 76.7 for the Pirates. Riverside also won the battle on the glass, outrebounding Orange Coast 40-35, and tallied 12 steals.

The game defied the pregame projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a much tighter contest. Riverside’s defensive execution rendered that projection moot.

Riverside next hosts Fullerton College on Friday. Orange Coast is scheduled to host Santa Ana College, also on Friday.