The University of Denver used hot shooting and a strong defensive effort to cruise to a 79-55 victory over visiting Florida Atlantic on Wednesday night.

Senior guard Lyrell Barfield scored a team-high 18 points for FAU, while Kimberly Smith and Vontrice Dennis added 14, and 12 respectively.

But it wasn't enough as Denver (14-10, 6-5) shot 57 percent from the floor and tallied 12 blocked shots on the night.

The Pioneers sank 5-of-6 from long range early and eventually led 42-24 at the break.

Florida Atlantic (6-17, 3-9) would get no closer than 16 points down the stretch.

Britteni Rice led host Denver with 18 points including a perfect 4-of-4 performance from behind the arc.

The Owls will return to FAU Arena Saturday to take on Louisiana at 3:00 p.m.