Maryland 77, Northwestern 57: Dezmine Wells scored 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting and center Alex Len led a dominating frontcourt effort as the visiting Terps prevailed in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Len, who posted his second double-double with 13 points and as many rebounds, helped Maryland (5-1) crush Northwestern (6-1) on the boards and notch its fifth straight win. The undersized Wildcats shot 6-for-25 on 3-pointers and lost for the first time in 22 November games.

Wells, a swingman who transferred from Xavier, and guard Nick Faust (10 points) repeatedly beat defenders off the dribble as Maryland showed its superior quickness and size. Maryland led 28-26 after a half in which the Terps committed 10 turnovers but outrebounded the Wildcats by 16. The Terps used a 13-1 run early in the second half to seize control.

Reggie Hearn led Northwestern with 19 points, and Dave Sobolewski added 14. Drew Crawford was held to 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

Maryland shot 67 percent in the second half to pull away.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Maryland improved to 10-4 in the Challenge, while Northwestern fell to 6-8. … This was Maryland’s only true road game before conference play. … The only previous meeting was a 66-62 Northwestern win in 1958.