Here we are! Welcome to the big party! Welcome to the March Madness!

The Texas Tech men’s basketball program captured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA East Regional and will play its opening round game in Dallas as announced Sunday by the NCAA Selection Committee.

The Red Raiders (24-9, 11-7 Big 12) take on No. 14 seed Stephen F. Austin (28-6, 14-4 Southland) in Thursday’s NCAA Tournament First Round.

Tip time is on-tap for 6:30 p.m. CT from American Airlines Center home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.