Minnesota Lynx/New York Liberty: A Photo Gallery

With August winding down and today being a slow day on the college hoops front, we bring you another photo essay submitted by our own "Renaissance Man" Ray Floriani, whose latest travels took him to the Prudential Center Tuesday night to watch the New York Liberty take on the Minnesota Lynx. Although the Liberty were outplayed to the tune of a 73-47 Minnesota victory, here is Ray's roundup on our second journey into the world of the WNBA:

NEWARK, NJ - The 73-47 score tells us there was not a whole lot to report on. The Minnesota Lynx thoroughly dominated the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Minnesota, one of the WNBA's elite, continues a drive with championship aspirations. The Liberty still struggle to find an identity and consistency.

          Part of the allure of the women's game is fan devotion. The outcome was sealed rather early, yet no one headed for the early exit. This is something you see on various levels of the girls/women's game. Fans and followers want to savor it, and even hang around later to meet and discuss it.

           Among those in attendance were Rick Mahorn and Allan Houston. The latter is somewhat of a regular, and not just due to his executive position with the Knicks. Houston enjoys the women's game and has his kids out for the event.

          On a personal note, I got to touch base with Lauren Mincy. She is heading into her senior year playing for the University of Maryland. Yours truly officiated Lauren since her fifth grade days at St.Joseph's in East Orange and at prep power University High School in Newark. Discussing her Terrapins, the not too distant past, and what might be wrong with the Liberty were a few of the topics. Most important was connecting with a basketball friend.

          Happens to a lot of followers and devotees of the women's game.

Looking down the road outside "The Rock" about 45 minutes before game time:

Players lining up for the national anthem, with pink being the color of the Liberty uniforms on Breast Cancer Health Awareness Night:

Liberty coach Bill Laimbeer is a little intense during a timeout:

The ice bar at halftime, a little busier than usual with the Liberty down 18 at the intermission:

Minnesota's Maya Moore, a picture of concentration and form at the free throw line:

Rick Mahorn, (a little above playing weight) a former Detroit Pistons "Bad Boy," chats with fellow former Piston (and notorious Knick) Allan Houston:

Exiting The Rock about 40 minutes after the contest: