NJ's March Madness: Rutgers vs. Seton Hall

It was less than a year ago when Rutgers women's basketball knocked Seton Hall out of the playoffs. But the two teams will meet again in postseason play during the first round of the women's NCAA tournament this weekend.

Rutgers (8) and Seton Hall (9), longtime rivals, were paired together for a 6:30 p.m. Saturday matchup in Connecticut.

Rutgers' Kahleah Copper during practice for a women's NCAA tournament first round game against Seton Hall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Rutgers has practically owned the rivalry over the years, topping it off with a double-overtime victory over Seton Hall last March in the WNIT Sweet 16.

"Maybe this year we can return the favor," said Anthony Bozzella, head coach of the Seton Hall women's team. "I think we can do a great job of making it a much better rivalry with beating them in this game."

Rutgers Athletics would not offer comments on the upcoming game.

The Pirates of Seton Hall, who gathered an impressive 28 wins this season, hadn't been selected to the tournament since 1995. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights, at 22-9, return after a two-year absence. Annual regular season meetings between the two teams came to a halt when Rutgers joined the Big Ten.

State Sen. Richard Codey (D-Livingston) sent a letter to both schools on Wednesday, urging the women's teams to join the men's routine and hold a Rutgers-Seton Hall matchup each year. With his suggestion, both games would be played on the same day at the same spot.

Saturday night's game can be seen live on ESPN2. At 11 a.m., undefeated Princeton (8) takes on Green Bay of Wisconsin.