March Madness: How, where to watch SDSU's first round game

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- It's almost "The Big Dance" time for the San Diego State University men's basketball team.

Coming off a historic NCAA Tournament Championship appearance last year, the Aztecs aim to take it all this year.

On Thursday, SDSU, who is the fifth seed in the East Region, takes on No. 12 University of Alabama-Birmingham in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off starts at 10:45 a.m. PT on TNT. Fans can listen to the game on San Diego Sports 760.

The fifth seed is a lucky number for the Aztecs who held that seed last year during their championship run. This year will be the second time in SDSU's program history as the No. 5 seed.

The Aztecs overall record is 24-10, while UAB is 23-11. The last time the two teams met was in 1989 when UAB beat SDSU 91-46 in the championship game of the UAB Classic.

The winner of the first-round matchup will face off against the winner of No. 4 Auburn (27-7) and No. 13 Yale (22-9) on Sunday.

For those interested in watch parties, here are some places to catch the game:

• Novo Brazil Brewing Co.: Locations in Mission Valley, Imperial Beach and Chula Vista

Other bars known for hosting sporting events include: Social Tap in downtown San Diego, Pretzels & Pints in North Park, Dirty Birds in the College Area, Draft in Mission Beach, Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach, among others.