Your Lighting bolts return

The defending champion Los Angeles Lightning open their home schedule at Cal Lutheran's Gilbert Arena on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. against the Oregon Waves in a rematch of last season's International Basketball League finals.

Sunday, the teams go to Santa Barbara City College for a live 3 p.m. TV game on KKFX/Fox 11.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our talent and expand our product," said Lightning owner Mark Harwell. "It's a rare treat for fans to get a chance to meet NBA and international players."

The Lightning games can also be heard on KKZZ-AM (1400) with Eric Evelhoch and Rob Lemons. It's also streaming on the team's web site, www.lalightning.net.

The Lighting, 18-5 a year ago, are off to a 2-0 start after winning twice over the Nevada Pride in Las Vegas. Phil Givens scored 25 points in a 143-97 season-opening rout, while the Lightning got help from Trayvon Lathan (32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) and 6-foot-11 center Chris Ayer (29 points, 8 rebounds) to win 140-125 the next night.