Who are the Lightning?

The Lightning is a pro basketball team created in 2007 by owner and GM Mark Harwell and coached by Ron Quarterman. They compete in the high-scoring International Basketball League (IBL) and play at the Gilbert Sports Arena on the campus of Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

What is the International Basketball League?

The pro league is entering its sixth season in 2010. The regular season runs from April to June, followed by the playoffs. There are 16 teams this year in two divisions, including squads from the USA, Japan, China and Canada. With a 22-second shot clock and immediate in-bound passes, the IBL features lots of scoring with teams averaging 126 points a game.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000. The home opener is Saturday, May 15 at Cal Lutheran at 7:15 p.m. and will be a rematch of last year's IBL Finals between the Lightning and Oregon Waves.

How did they do last year?

The Lightning captured the IBL title in its second season, thanks to a roster that included six former NBA players. Lamond Murray, the No. 7 pick of the L.A. Clippers in 1994 led the Lightning in scoring last year at 24.5. The 6-7 forward was the MVP of the IBL Finals. Other ex-NBA players are Fred Vinson (IBL record holder with 15 3-pointers in a game), Toby Bailey (recorded first triple-double in Lightning history last year), Bryon Russell (ex-Utah Jazz standout, played in three NBA Finals), Darrick Martin and Juaquin Hawkins. ... Former UCLA star Billy Knight had a team season-high 42 points in a game and 7-footer Adam Parada averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds. State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), a former Whittier College standout, hit 56 percent of his shots and will play again this season.

What's new in 2010?

The Lightning will play its second home game of the season live on FOX. It will be telecast throughout the Central Coast by KKFX/FOX 11. The contest is a rematch of last year's IBL Finals with the Oregon Waves and will take place on Sunday, May 16 at 3 p.m. in the Sports Pavilion at Santa Barbara City College ... Los Angeles will compete in the Continental Division of the IBL, along with the Albany (N.Y.) Legends, Edmonton (Canada) Energy, Holland (Mich.) Blast, Kankakee (Ill.) Soldiers, Battle Creek (Mich.) Knights, USA All-Stars and Tacoma Tide ... The Lightning will play three special benefit games to raise money for local high school athletic programs (at Calabasas, Royal and Agoura).

How can I get information on the team?

Go to www.lalightning.net for info throughout the season, including the schedule, roster, stories, photos, box scores and stats. On game day, catch all the action by clicking on the Live Radio Broadcast link.