Houston has quickly established itself as the kings of the Big 12 with back-to-back outright regular season titles in its two seasons since joining the conference from the AAC. But there is still one bit of league supremacy the Cougars have yet to claim. A year ago, they lost to Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament Championship Game.

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.