According to a survey by The Warrior, Duke is set to win the men’s bracket, and UConn is set to win the women’s bracket.
Brackets will be officially released during Selection Sunday on March 15, and the NCAA Championships will occur April 5-6.
Men’s Bracket
According to the poll, 25% of respondents believe Duke will win the men’s bracket.
Sophomore Mason Kamzalow chose Duke, citing Cameron Boozer as a key resource for the team.
The 6-foot-9 freshman forward averages 22.6 points per game and 10 rebounds. Boozer was also voted as the Preseason ACC Rookie of the Year.
Despite losing the NBA’s No. 1 overall pick last year, Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils still have a steady lineup. Along with Boozer, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba have guided the team to a 25-2 record.
“Duke will win because they have Boozer. They’re also coached well,” senior Peyton Mastro said. “They’re always good.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer is in his fourth year leading the Blue Devils and has already secured over 100 wins.
Michigan was the second most popular choice for students, followed by Gonzaga.
“Gonzaga is far overdue for a national championship, and I think they can finally pull it off this season,” another student said.
While Florida won the championship last year, few students predict they can win back-to-back titles.
Women’s Bracket
UConn is currently undefeated, and 48% of students predict the team will remain victorious at the NCAA Championship.
After overtaking No.1 South Carolina by a 20-point margin last year, UConn is prepared to win back-to-back titles.
The Huskies are 29-0 this season, with standout players Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd leading the way
“UConn has a dynasty, and I can’t see it ending now,” sophomore Anthony Longo said.
UConn has earned a No. 1 seed 22 times and won the National Championship 11 times.
Geno Auriemma returns for his 41st season coaching UConn. The Huskies will not have now-WNBA athlete Paige Bueckers to help.
South Carolina was the second most-predicted winner according to the poll.
“I have a hunch,” junior Emily Hutchinson said after selecting South Carolina to win.
The Gamecocks have only two losses this season and are 13-1 in their conference.
Star forward Joyce Edwards averages 20 points per game and leads her team defensively with 51 steals.
After a heartbreaking loss to the Huskies last year, South Carolina is ready to utilize Edwards and take down the reigning champions.