When Rutgers joined the Big East Conference in 1995, the two teams met only once a year.

The rivalry had been partially fueled by an altercation that occurred between UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and former Rutgers player Cappie Pondexter after the 2005 Big East Tournament championship game.

[2] Big East Commissioner Michael Tranghese released a statement days later clearing Auriemma of any wrongdoing.

On March 7, 2007, the Scarlet Knights won their first-ever Big East Tournament championship by defeating the Huskies 55–47.

However, on March 3, 2008, UConn beat Rutgers 66–46 for the regular-season championship, and the Knights haven't defeated the Huskies since.