Stringer less than thrilled to face Iowa

This isn't the matchup C. Vivian Stringer wanted.

In fact, of the 63 possible first-round opponents Rutgers could play in the NCAA women's basketball tournament, Iowa likely would rank 63rd.

“Probably of all the schools I would want to play, Iowa is not one of them because of my heart,” Stringer said Monday after the pairings were released.

Iowa (19-13) faces Rutgers (19-14) in a first-round game at 7:16 p.m. (Iowa time) Saturday at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif.

It will mark the third meeting for Stringer against her old school; she coached at Iowa from 1983 through 1995, compiling a 269-84 mark, six Big Ten titles and a Final Four appearance in 1993.

“She put Iowa (women's basketball) on the map, there's no doubt about that,” said Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder.

Stringer's husband, Bill, died of a heart attack early during the 1992-93 season.

Rutgers defeated Iowa in the previous two meetings - 57-51 on Dec. 4, 2005, at Iowa, and 70-53, on Dec. 12, 2006, at Rutgers.

“The last time I played at Iowa, I was so heartbroken to play there,” Stringer said. “At least, this matchup is on a neutral site and the loyal Hawkeye fans don't have to decide loyalty.”

Both teams were on the NCAA bubble before a late-season surge got them into the field of 64.

Iowa won 11 of its final 14 games and earned a surprisingly high No. 8 seed in the Sacramento Region; Rutgers is seeded ninth after winning four of its last five.

The Scarlet Knights have the nation's third-toughest schedule.

“I couldn't be sure we were going to be invited. I am sure the team is relieved, and so am I,” Stringer said. “You should never count the Scarlet Knights out, we are as unpredictable as anyone else.”

Rutgers assistant Michelle Edwards played for Stringer at Iowa from 1984 through 1988 and is the only Iowa women's basketball player to have her number retired.

Saturday's winner faces top-seeded Stanford (31-1) or No. 16 seed UC-Riverside (17-15) at 8:30 Monday night.