The men's 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Elite Eight action Sunday with No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 UConn on the two-game schedule.
USA TODAY Sports' college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here's everything you need to know before the Elite Eight matchup tips off.
USA TODAY has a team of journalists covering the men's NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.
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Duke will win Elite Eight game vs UConn if...
- John Leuzzi: It can keep UConn's offense out of rhythm.
- Jordan Mendoza: Out-muscles Connecticut.
- Ehsan Kassim: Cam Boozer takes over.
- Austin Curtright: If contains Tarris Reed Jr.
UConn will win Elite Eight game vs Duke if...
- John Leuzzi: Tarris Reed Jr. continues to impact the paint.
- Jordan Mendoza: It shoots lights out.
- Ehsan Kassim: It can continue to get Duke to turn the ball over.
- Austin Curtright: Its bench can keep up with Duke's deep rotation.
Duke vs UConn: 1 Stat to watch
- John Leuzzi: Turnovers and rebounds.
- Jordan Mendoza: Fouls and free throws
- Ehsan Kassim: Duke's turnovers.
- Austin Curtright: Tarris Reed Jr. has been maybe the best big man in the NCAA Tournament so far. He scored 20 points with five rebounds, four assists and two blocks against Michigan State, and is averaging over 20 points with 15 rebounds, three assists and 1.7 blocks in the tournament so far.
Duke vs UConn Elite Eight prediction
- John Leuzzi: Duke
- Jordan Mendoza: Duke
- Ehsan Kassim: UConn
- Austin Curtright: UConn
1 Duke vs 2 UConn
- Opening Moneyline: Duke (-210), UConn (+172)
- Opening Spread: Duke (-5.5)
- Opening Total: 134.5
How to Watch Duke vs UConn in the Elite Eight
No. 1 Duke takes on No. 2 UConn at Capitol One Arena on March 29 at 5:05 PM The game is airing on CBS.
2026 Men's March Madness full schedule
See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.
- March 17-18: First Four
- March 19-20: First Round
- March 21-22: Second Round
- March 26-27: Sweet 16
- March 28-29: Elite 8
- April 4: Final Four
- April 6: National Championship
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duke vs UConn prediction, analysis, Elite Eight expert picks for men's March Madness
