The Minnesota Gophers' astonshing turnaround season continues in the NCAA Tournament when the No. 5 seed Gophers (24-9) face No. 12 seed Middle Tennessee (30-4) in the first round.

When do the Gophers and Blue Raiders play?:

The game is Thursday, with a 3 p.m. CT tipoff.

Where do the Gophers play?:

Minnesota opens play in the South Region, heading first to Milwaukee. Also in their bracket is No. 4 seed Butler vs. No. 13 seed Winthrop.

VIDEO: Marcus Fuller and Michael Rand breakdown the matchup

What if Minnesota wins?

The Gophers would play the Butler vs. Winthrop winner on Saturday in Milwaukee if they win.

How can I watch the Gophers vs. Middle Tennessee State?:

The game will be televised on TNT.

Can I watch online?:

The game will be live-streamed on March Madness Live

Storylines: This is the Gophers' first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013. They beat UCLA in the first round, but lost to Flordia in the second round. ... Middle Tennessee won the Conference USA tournament. This is the same team that upset Michigan State in last year's first round, a No. 12 vs. No. 5 classic. ... The Gophers advanced the semifinal of the Big Ten tournament, but lost to Michigan. The Gophers have 24 wins; their season ended last year with an 8-23 record.