PLAY OF THE GAME: Bucks guard Charlie Bell put an exclamation point on the Bucks' big third quarter when he stole a bad pass by Luis Scola and went the length of the court for a layup and a 98-73 lead.

OFF THE BENCH: Bell made his first seven shots - one a three-pointer - and scored 15 points in the second quarter. He missed his final two shots of the quarter.

STATISTICS SHEET: In the third quarter, Houston made four of 19 shots (21.1%) and turned the ball over seven times, leading to 12 Bucks points.

UP NEXT

TEAMS: Bucks (25-29) vs. Indiana Pacers (20-32).

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday.

WHERE: Bradley Center.

BROADCASTS: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

NOTEBOOK

MINUTE MEN: The Bucks' rash of injuries has left them without three of their starters, but it has opened up a lot of playing time for those who want to seize it. Michael Redd was averaging 36.5 minutes per game, Andrew Bogut 31.2, and Luke Ridnour 31.1.

"We're losing those guys and we're a better team with them," Bell said. "But at the same time, I think guys are looking at it as an opportunity to step up and show what they can do. There are guys that probably wouldn't get the minutes that will now get the minutes . . . myself included. We just have to go out there and take advantage. We feel like if we can make a run to the playoffs and make the playoffs, that will make it even more of a special year for us."

LOOKING AHEAD: The Bucks have 11 games on their February schedule, making it their lightest month of the season. But that doesn't mean the competition will get any easier. Six of the final nine games this month, including Monday's victory, are against teams with winning records.

"We have some days in between (games, which) is nice, but the opponents are good," coach Scott Skiles said. "But we'll have some time to have some practice, which is good, and get some rest. I know that I'm not even playing and I feel like I've hardly been home this season. So the guys that have to go through the physical toll also, it's been difficult on them. But no one is going to feel sorry for us. There are teams that are going to try and put us down and we have to try and not let them do that."

Tom Enlund

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