Arizona defeats Washington State, 34-24 | Top Stories

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Wildcats overcame an early 14-point deficit to win 34-24 against Washington State Saturday.

The Wildcats wrapped up non-conference play with the comeback win, improving their season record to 3-1 and snapping a four-game home winning streak for the Cougars.

Quarterback Noah Fifita led the offense, throwing for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Tre Spivey caught seven passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns, with six of those receptions and both scores occurring in the first half to help tie the game.

Washington State took an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Caden Pinnick ran 11 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive, and safety Jackquintin Bal intercepted Fifita, returning it 25 yards for a touchdown. Arizona responded before the end of the first quarter when Fifita threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Spivey.

Spivey caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to tie the game at 14. Washington State missed an opportunity to regain the lead when Tre Smith blocked a 39-yard field goal attempt, but the Cougars were able to get another one, taking a 17-14 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Arizona missed a field goal and had another blocked before Fifita threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to freshman Caleb Smith, putting the Wildcats ahead 21-17. Michael Salgado-Medina added a 27-yard field goal, and Fifita threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell to extend the lead.

Washington State responded with a 46-yard touchdown, but Salgado-Medina sealed the victory with a 51-yard field goal.

The Wildcats return next week to host Cincinnati at Casino Del Sol Stadium at 8 p.m.