UCF Overcomes Utah with Second-Half Surge in Big 12 Tournament Opener

The Knights advance to face sixth-seeded Kansas after a dominant 24-3 run secures their 87-72 victory.

UCF's Keyshawn Hall led the team with 23 points, marking his 15th 20-point game of the season, as the Knights defeated Utah 87-72.
A pivotal 24-3 run early in the second half helped UCF turn a one-point halftime deficit into a commanding 20-point lead.
The Knights had four players score in double figures, including Darius Johnson with 20 points and Moustapha Thiam with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Utah struggled in the second half, missing 10 consecutive field goals and shooting just 4 of 26 from beyond the arc overall.
UCF will face Kansas in the second round, a team they lost to twice during the regular season, as they aim to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.