There was a trend this posteason: #1 seeds didn't do nearly as well in their conference tourneys as would be expected.

There's a saying: third time's the charm.

Second-seeded Rutgers lived up to both of those last night in the Big East final against Connecticut, beating the top-seeded (and previously undefeated in conference) Huskies 55-47 in the third matchup between the two teams this season. It's the first Big East title for the Scarlet Knights.

The Rutgers defense held UConn scoreless for over six minutes bridging both halves- and more importantly, almost the last eight minutes, only allowing a Charde Houston putback with 18.9 seconds left in that span. They also clamped down on Renee Montgomery, who had 11 early and none late. The Huskies, rattled, were unable to adjust, allowing Rutgers to dictate the (slower) pace of the game.

For Rutgers, Essence Carson was solid all around, posting 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and three steals.

For UConn, Charde Houston led with twelve points and seven rebounds; the early 11 from Montgomery made up the only other double-digit effort from the Huskies.

Geno was... unimpressed. "They played well enough to win," the 13-time tourney champion said. "That's the best you can say about them."

Coach Stringer, on the other hand... "Coach was so happy; she came into the locker room crying." She's not the only one at RU who's thrilled. (But she does look rather silly in the hat.)

Your Big East all-tournament team: Krystal Ellis of Marquette; Kalana Greene, Charde Houston, and Renee Montgomery of UConn; and Matee Ajavon, Essence Carson, and Kia Vaughn of Rutgers, with Ajavon as Most Outstanding Player (though that seems predicated on the previous three games, not the 4-22, two-assist effort of Tuesday night).

Still and all, while Rutgers gets the tiara, UConn will probably be in better position for the crown. But baby steps, baby steps.