Opponent: Buffalo Bandits

Site: Marine Midland Arena, Buffalo, N.Y.

Time: 8 Radio: WCBM (680 AM)

Outlook: The Thunder (2-0), which has scored 41 goals in wins over Rochester and Toronto, makes its first road appearance. As the highest-scoring team in the National Lacrosse League, the Thunder has relied on Gary Gait (15 goals, 5 assists), Joe Hiltz (3, 12) and Matt Shearer (10, 4), who have combined for more than two-thirds of the team's offense. Buffalo (1-0) proved it is one of the top teams in the NLL last week, beating defending champion Philadelphia, 18-17, in overtime. The Bandits have won four straight regular-season games dating to last season and haven't lost at home since March 7, when the Thunder won, 12-10.

Pub Date: 1/16/99