PLAY OF THE GAME: Forward Richard Jefferson sank a short jumper from the lane and converted it into a three-point play that gave the Bucks a 77-70 lead with 2 minutes left that was too much for Charlotte to overcome. "At that point in time, I was just trying to be aggressive," said Jefferson. "I'm still trying to get my rhythm, trying to find the seams in this offense so I can get to the free throw line."

STATISTICS SHEET: Skiles was not pleased about the team's 21 turnovers. "We've got to address the turnovers at some point," he said. "There's just too many. But it's better to address it after you win a game than after you lose."

OFF THE BENCH: Ridnour spent the second half on the bench because of a sore right knee. "Just a freak deal," said Ridnour as he limped out of the locker room. "It should be good to go (next game)."

UP NEXT

TEAMS: Bucks (7-8) vs. Orlando Magic (9-4).

WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday.

WHERE: Amway Center.

BROADCASTS: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-1250.

NOTEBOOK

HE'S BACK: Credit Bucks assistant coach Bill Peterson with an assist in getting forward Charlie Villanueva back on the court after he missed four games with a hamstring injury. Thursday was an off-day for the Bucks, but Villanueva and Peterson worked out at the team's practice facility and after that workout, Villanueva decided he was good to go Friday against New York at the Bradley Center.

"I worked with coach Peterson and he put me through a good workout and I felt pretty good," said Villanueva. "So I was like, let's give it a shot and it was fine."

Skiles limited Villanueva to 13 minutes in his first game back, but Villanueva took advantage of some favorable match-ups inside to score 20 points against New York.

"He took his opportunities," said Skiles. "That's what he can do. When he's got good match-ups . . . he has a soft touch and he can turn and score on people."

VETERAN INFLUENCE: Even though they haven't been playing much, Skiles said that veterans players, such as Malik Allen and Tyronn Lue contributed in other ways, especially during difficult times such as the three-game losing streak the Bucks went through last week.

"It's nice to have veterans," said Skiles. "Like Malik and Ty Lue haven't played that much but we feel their influence in our practices, and in our games, and in our locker room."

JUST ONE: Including Saturday's game, the Bucks have had only one game that was not part of a back-to-back situation. That was the home game on Nov. 5 against Washington.

Tom Enlund

Copyright 2008, Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved. (Note: This notice does not apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through wire services or other media.)