Two newcomers spark Wolves' exhibition victory

Last update: October 7, 2007 - 12:50 AM

ISTANBUL, TURKEY Al Jefferson had 11 points and 17 rebounds, fellow newcomer Ryan Gomes scored 12 points, and the Timberwolves beat Efes Pilsen 84-81 Saturday in the first game of the NBA Europe Live tour.

Gomes had 10 points and nine rebounds in the first half. Ricky Davis scored 12 points.

Drew Nicholas scored 24 points, and Andre Hutson had 15 points and 19 rebounds for the Turkish team.

Wolves coach Randy Wittman went with a starting lineup of Gomes and Jefferson at forward, Mark Blount at center and Davis and Randy Foye at guard.

Guard Rashad McCants sat out the game as a precaution. He has a sore hamstring.

The Timberwolves spent the past week training in Istanbul as part of the Europe Live tour, helping dedicate a new basketball court and community center at a local school.

They also distributed hearing aids to more than 1,000 children.

The Timberwolves traded longtime star Kevin Garnett, the NBA's leading rebounder each of the previous four seasons, to the Boston Celtics during the offseason.

Jefferson and Gomes were two of the five players Minnesota got back in the deal.

ASSOCIATED PRESS