diff --git a/jme3-core/src/plugins/java/com/jme3/material/plugins/J3MLoader.java b/jme3-core/src/plugins/java/com/jme3/material/plugins/J3MLoader.java
index c3ac904a5..89dc9c2cc 100644
--- a/jme3-core/src/plugins/java/com/jme3/material/plugins/J3MLoader.java
+++ b/jme3-core/src/plugins/java/com/jme3/material/plugins/J3MLoader.java
@@ -652,7 +652,7 @@ public class J3MLoader implements AssetLoader {
                 technique.setLogic(new SinglePassAndImageBasedLightingLogic(technique));
                 break;
             default:
-                throw new UnsupportedOperationException();
+                throw new IOException("Light mode not supported:" + technique.getLightMode());
         }
 
         List<TechniqueDef> techniqueDefs = new ArrayList<>();