That hit a capping point Tuesday night, as No. 14 seed UCF dominated the second half in knocking No. 11 seed Utah out of the league tournament in the first round by an 87-72 final.

Keanu Dawes poured in a career-high 21 points and 15 rebounds — plus two assists and two steals, but who's counting? — for his fifth double-double in a Utah uniform.

Keyshawn Hall scored 23 points, including 17 in the second half, as UCF defeated Utah 87-72 in the first round of the Big 12 tournament Tuesday.

KANSAS CITY — Utah’s first taste of the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament ended up being sour. The No. 11 seed Runnin’ Utes couldn’t hold on to an early double-digit lead as hot-shooting No. 14 seed UCF beat Utah 87-72 in the nightcap of Tuesday’s first round action.

UCF and Utah are approximately 2,300 miles apart, about as far apart as any two schools in the Big 12 Conference. They've only played once in basketball this season, on