By TODD KARPOVICH
Maryland guard Dez Wells calls to the crowd after his team took a significant lead over Oakland during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in College Park, Md. Maryland won 72-56. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Melo Trimble, Michal Cekovsky, Corey Petros
Maryland guard Melo Trimble, left, and forward Michal Cekovsky, right, double-team Oakland center Corey Petros during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in College Park, Md.(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Jalen Hayes, Michal Cekovsky
Oakland forward Jalen Hayes (4) loses the ball while going up to shoot as Maryland forward Michal Cekovsky defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in College Park, Md.(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Jalen Hayes, Evan Smotrycz
Maryland forward Evan Smotrycz (1) shoots in front of Oakland forward Jalen Hayes during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in College Park, Md.(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s Dez Wells took a pass from Michal Cekovsky late in the fourth quarter and threw down an emphatic dunk over a pair of Oakland defenders.
If there were any questions about possible lingering health issues, Wells certainly put them to rest with that display of athleticism.
Wells, the Terrapins’ scoring leader over the past two seasons, was back in the lineup after missing the past seven games with a fractured right wrist. Wells came off the bench and finished with 10 points in 22 minutes.
Jake Layman also had 15 points and a career-high 12 rebounds to help No. 15 Maryland extend its winning streak to five games with a 72-56 victory over the Golden Grizzlies on Saturday. Freshman Melo Trimble was 5 of 6 from 3-point range and had 17 points for Maryland (12-1).
It was Terps final nonconference game before their Big Ten opener Tuesday against Michigan State.
“Those guys have won some really important games without me,” Wells said. “It was a good experience for them so they’re not going to be intimidated by anything or anybody. That’s a great asset to have going down the road.”
Jalen Hayes scored 13 points and Kahlil Felder added 12 for Oakland (4-10). Dante Williams and Corey Petros each scored 11 for the Golden Grizzlies, who lost five consecutive games.
A pair of 3-pointers by Dion Wiley and Trimble gave Maryland a 19-8 lead midway through the first half. After missing 10 of their opening 14 field goal attempts, the Golden Grizzlies settled down and a jumper by Felder cut the margin to six with 7:23 left.
Maryland answered with an 18-4 run and led 39-19 at halftime. Layman and Trimble each scored 11 points and the Terps limited Oakland to 8 of 29 (27.6 percent) from the field.
“We’re very confident,” Trimble said. “We get our confidence from watching film, going to practice every day and practicing hard. Our defense is starting to pick up.”
Maryland stayed in control and a jumper by Wells provided a 46-32 margin with 14:07 remaining. Oakland played better offensively in the second half and a layup by Hayes cut the lead to 56-47 with 7:46 left.
“They’re ranked 15th in the country for a reason,” Oakland coach Greg Kampe said. “They have some great wins and we came at them and handled it and they made plays. That’s what championship teams do when they get in trouble.”
Trimble responded with another 3-pointer on the ensuing possession. Wells’ dunk over a pair Oakland defenders and then his layup increased the margin to 67-56 with just under three minutes remaining and the Terps were never threatened again.
“I’m really pleased with our guys,” Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said. “I felt comfortable all game we were in control. When Oakland made a run at us, our guys stepped it up and it was good to see.”
TIP-INS
Maryland: Terrapins guard/forward Dez Wells entered the game with 14:13 left in the first half and showed no ill-effects from the fractured right wrist that forced him to miss the past five weeks. The Terps had won six of seven games without Wells, but his presence was a boost to the lineup with his ability to set the offense and create shots. Wells scored 10 points in 22 minutes.
Oakland: The Golden Grizzlies have struggled with turnovers, averaging 13.5 this season. They had 11 on Saturday.
DOMINANT IN DECEMBER
Maryland improved to 21-4 in December under fourth-year coach Mark Turgeon. The No. 15 Terps also have their highest ranking in the AP poll since the Jan 2, 2006.
UP NEXT
Maryland travels to Michigan State for its Big 10 opener.
Oakland hosts Valparaiso in its first Horizon League game.