Milwaukee Bucks Team Report - February 19

(Basketball News) - The Bucks came up short once again on the road Wednesday night, falling 102-98 to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Milwaukee fell to just 7-19 on the road this season. The Bucks have been a completely different team at home, as they are an impressive 21-6 at the Bradley Center.

Michael Redd scored 23 points and Desmond Mason chipped in 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who have dropped two of their last three contests and seven in a row on the road. Milwaukee hasn’t won on foreign hardwood since January 5 in Philadelphia.

Joe Smith hauled in 16 boards, but was 0-for-11 from the field in the setback. Erick Strickland recorded 16 points off the bench, while Brian Skinner tacked on 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Milwaukee’s Damon Jones was ejected with 8:21 left in the game after arguing with officials.

The Bucks were still without recently acquired Keith Van Horn, who was handling family business. Van Horn, who came to Milwaukee in a three-way trade last weekend, is expected to debut for the Bucks Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Milwaukee is fortunate to have four of its next six games in the friendly confines of the Bradley Center.

The Bucks remain fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race — three games ahead of sixth place New York and 1 1/2 tilts back of New Orleans for fourth.