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Young stars carry Timberwolves over Bucks

Oct 24, 2008 - 2:51 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Youth won out over experience Thursday, as the Minnesota Timberwolves continued their strong preseason with a 95-76 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

After a sluggish first half, the T-Wolves took control in the second half, as the youngsters around whom they have built their team enforced their will against the more experienced Bucks. Rookie Kevin Love scored 11 of his 14 points in a 20-3 run bridging the third and fourth quarters that turned a close ballgame into a blowout.

Love, acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies after being picked fifth overall in June's draft, added 10 rebounds for his first NBA double-double. It was redemption for Love, who went just 1-of-10 from the field in Wednesday's 85-75 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Veteran swingman Mike Miller came over in the same trade, giving the Timberwolves a veteran presence, and he made that presence felt on Thursday. The ninth-year vet poured in 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while rising star Al Jefferson - who emerged as one of the league's bright, young frontcourt players last season - led all scorers with 19.

After their weakest offensive showing of the preseason Wednesday, the Timberwolves once again came out slow against the Bucks. They shot under 38 percent from the floor in the first half and fell behind 46-40 at halftime.

But they caught fire in the third quarter to take control. Third-year point guard Randy Foye drained a 3-pointer with 8:05 remaining in the third quarter to give the T-Wolves their first lead since early in the opening quarter. Less than three minutes later, he helped steal the momentum for good, picking Luke Ridnour's pocket and going the other way for an emphatic dunk to make it 60-55.

Foye finished with eight points, five assists and two steals.

The Bucks were without starting center Andrew Bogut, who is nursing a sprained left ankle and did not make the trip to Minnesota. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Dan Gadzuric, who led the team with 13 points and 11 boards. Ridnour collected 11, seven assists and five rebounds.