L.A. LIGHTNING

The Los Angeles Lightning is an exciting new pro franchise, competing in the high-scoring International Basketball League. The league features ex-NBA players and recent college stars. The 20-game schedule runs from April to June with home games at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

"We're really excited to have Twinlab on board as our first national sponsor," said Lightning owner and GM Mark Harwell. "We're looking forward to great things."

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

The pro circuit is entering its fourth season with 18 franchises, including teams from Canada and China. The Los Angeles Lightning are the only IBL team in California. The league features high-scoring action with teams averaging close to 130 points and some soaring into the 160 and 170 range. A 22-second shot clock is used and there is only one timeout per quarter, limiting games to two hours. Last year, 102 IBL players (more than 40 percent) were rewarded with contracts to play pro basketball overseas.