By Dave Loveton
Director of Media Relations

Game 3 (Fri., April 25) -- Gary Steelheads 109, Lightning 97

Records -- Gary 8-2; Lightning 0-3

Lightning rally comes up shorts, 109-97

 THOUSAND OAKS -- After falling behind by 31 points in the third quarter, the L.A. Lightning stormed back to within eight with 3:01 to play Friday night but couldn't get any closer in a 109-97 IBL basketball loss to the Gary (Ind.) Steelheads at the Gilbert Sports Arena.

 Fred Vinson paced the Lightning (0-3) with 20 points, including six 3-pointers, while ex-NBA standout Lamond Murray posted his second double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) in as many outings. Ronell Mingo, a 6-9 center, scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his L.A. debut while Wayne Oliver added 16 points and six boards.

 Quinnell Brown topped Gary (8-2) with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Royce Parran and DeAnthony Bowden added 20 apiece for the visitors, who outshot the Lightning 52 to 37 percent en route to their fifth straight win.

 The Steelheads stretched a 60-42 halftime lead to 79-48 with 7:15 to go in the third period. L.A. got hot in the fourth quarter, hitting three straight 3-pointers at one point, and pulled within 103-95 on a Mingo free throw with 3:01 to play. Gary responded with five straight to go up by 13.

 The same teams meet at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Cal Lutheran.