Java or .Net what is most suitable?

Hi,
I got a project for my univ studying and the Instructor let us choice between java and .net.
In the project, I need to publish it in the internet (like html page not as a program) and I need to connect to database.

My experience
I used the VB before to create a program with the DB (for single computer not in a network), and for java I took a small course but never use GUI nor connect to DB.

I really want to use Java ( the Instructor also prefer it ). it would be a good experience. but my teammate keeps refusing because she afraid that we will not be able progress smoothly since we consider beginner in java. I think we should finish the project in month (we didn't start yet)

Finally my questions are:
- Is it suitable to use Java for this project, or .Net (ASP)?
- Is it easy to use java to connect to DB, what's the suitable DB?

Sorry for the long post and the bad English. and thanks for helping.