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Jefferson's 24 points leads Timberwolves past Bucks

Oct 27, 2007 - 3:11 AM James Beilby PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Al Jefferson had 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves posted a 106-85 victory over the the Milwaukee Bucks in the last preseason game for both teams on Friday.

Rashad McCants scored 20 points and Ryan Gomes added 15 and seven boards for Minnesota, which opens the regular season at home vs. Denver next Friday.

Jefferson, who shot 9-of-12 from the field, scored most of his buckets from in close for the Timberwolves, who led 30-16 after the first quarter and had a 20-point advantage in points in the paint.

McCants was 8-of-8 from the floor for Minnesota, which shot 61 percent (41-of-67) from the field.

The Timberwolves, who finished exhibition play at 3-5, played without forwards Mark Madsen (right shoulder), Juwan Howard (coach's decision), and guard Greg Buckner (left knee).

Dan Gadzuric scored 16 points and rookie Yi Jianlian and Michael Redd each scored 13 for Milwaukee, which shot 42 percent (28-of-67) and also concluded the preseason at 3-5.

Center Andrew Bogut (left wrist), and swingman Desmond Mason (coach's decision) sat out of this game for the Bucks.