STINGRAYS TONIGHT

Opponent--New England Blizzard.

Time--4 PST.

Site--Hartford (Conn.) Civic Center.

Records--Long Beach 24-16, New England 22-20.

Update--When the StingRays last traveled to the ABL’s four eastern cities, in late October and early November, they began with victories at Philadelphia and Atlanta but played like zombies in losses at Columbus and New England. This time the order is changed--New England tonight, at Atlanta on Saturday, at Columbus on Sunday and at Philadelphia in Tuesday’s season finale. Long Beach is concerned about league-leading rebounder Yolanda Griffith (11.6), who was kneed in the back in a fall and suffered back spasms. The StingRays lead the season series against New England, 2-1. Long Beach probably will begin the playoffs Feb. 21 against the Colorado Xplosion at the Pond of Anaheim, because the Pyramid will be unavailable.