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Jennings, Bucks take down Timberwolves

Feb 23, 2011 - 5:21 AM Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - Brandon Jennings posted 27 points and dished out seven assists to help Milwaukee defeat Minnesota, 94-88, at the Bradley Center.

Corey Maggette notched 20 points as the Bucks started off the second half of the season with a win. They entered the All-Star break with eight losses in 10 games. Carlos Delfino had 13 points and nine rebounds, while John Salmons scored 12 points.

"Second half of the season, so, you know, you have to get a little more serious, and we have to come more mentally focused and ready to play," Jennings said.

Kevin Love registered 20 points and 17 rebounds -- his 43rd consecutive double-double -- for the Timberwolves, who have dropped five straight. Michael Beasley returned after missing five games with a sprained left ankle to add a team-high 21 points.

Wesley Johnson and Luke Ridnour had 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss.

In a tightly matched contest, the teams were tied at 44 at halftime, then knotted up at 67 after three quarters of play.

The fourth quarter followed suit, as neither team led by more than seven. Salmons made a layup and then a three-pointer to put Milwaukee up 87-80 with 4:33 left to play.

A few minutes later, Ridnour cut the deficit to one, 89-88, with a long jumper. However, Jennings' two free throws with 77 ticks left pushed Milwaukee's edge back to three.

Minnesota had three chances to tie the game during its next possession. However, Ridnour missed a three, Darko Milicic missed a layup, and Love's three-pointer was off the mark.

Delfino pulled down the rebound from Love's miss, and Jennings hit two free throws for a 93-88 lead with 18.1 ticks left, securing the victory.

The Bucks took an early 13-6 lead, but Minnesota stayed in the game, and was within 26-23 moving to the second.

Salmons' layup with 5:48 left in the half pushed the lead to six, but a six- point burst pulled the Timberwolves even. Love's hook shot made it 35-35, and the rest of the half remained tight.

There were three ties and one lead change in the third quarter.

Game Notes

Minnesota has lost six of its last seven trips to Milwaukee...The Bucks scored 20 points off 17 Timberwolves turnovers...Both teams shot 38 percent from the field.