NBA: Minnesota 116, New Orleans 108

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Two three-point shots by Randy Foye down the stretch Friday allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to pull away for a 116-108 victory over New Orleans.

The Hornets were within two points with just over 2 minutes remaining, but succumbed to Foye's long-range accuracy to lose for the first time in four games.

Minnesota, enjoying by far its best stretch of the season, has won eight out of 10 games in January.

Foye hit a three-pointer with 2:15 to play, giving the Timberwolves a 106-101 lead. He hit another long shot with 1:29 to go to put Minnesota in front by eight. Mike Miller's two free throws with 49 seconds pushed the lead to 110-101.

Both Foye and Al Jefferson had 24 points. Craig Smith and Rodney Carney had 15 each.

New Orleans was led by James Posey with 24.

The Hornets fell two games behind San Antonio in the chase for the top spot in the Southwest Division.