2K Classic: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

New York City­ - Sunday loomed as what one prominent football writer once termed ‘a gunmetal grey sky day.’ Football was certainly on tap with the NFL. On this afternoon, however, college basketball had center stage with the championship and consolation of the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden, a storied venue playing host to an excellent field of four teams.

Friday evening saw Duke defeat VCU and Georgetown earn a decision over Wisconsin. The potential rematch of last spring’s national title game was not in the offing. Sunday saw the title game first, and what a treat it was for the 17,000-plus in attendance.

In one of those games worthy of a March date on the calendar, Georgetown and Duke battled, answering each other’s runs and spurts. Fittingly, it all came down to the final possession. A last-second (literally) three-point attempt by the Hoyas fell short and Duke had a hard-fought, deserved championship with an 86-­84 decision.

On entering the Garden, VCU coach Will Wade spoke about the consolation game, a chance to bounce back and secure a significant ‘RPI’ victory certain to help a team looking for a bid or higher seeding come March.

In a game tied with two minutes to play, it was of little surprise that it went to the final seconds, with Wisconsin earning a 74­-73 victory. In the media room, the Vikings-­Packers game was on, reminding us we are in the middle of football season. This afternoon, we had more than a reminder; we had full proof that college basketball season is upon us, with all its drama and thrills.

VCU players appear relaxed and focused entering Madison Square Garden for their semifinal meeting with Duke:

A panoramic view of the Garden during the semifinal matchup between Georgetown and Wisconsin:

From left to right: Georgetown's Reggie Cameron, coach John Thompson III, and Isaac Copeland meet the media after the Hoyas' win over Wisconsin:

Official Brian Dorsey heads out to the floor for the second half of Georgetown-Duke. Dorsey worked the championship game with Mike Eades and Lamont Simpson:

Georgetown applying late game full court pressure against Duke:

A victorious Duke contingent poses for the media:

While Wisconsin waits to take the floor for the consolation game, the Hoya exits after a tough setback:

From left to right: Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig, coach Bo Ryan, and Nigel Hayes meet the media: