TUCSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Wildcats battled No. 18 BYU into double overtime but came up just short in a 33-27 heartbreaker Saturday night.
 
Arizona (4-2, 1-2 Big 12) had a chance to tie the game in the second OT, but on fourth down, Noah Fifita's pass to the end zone slipped through the hands of Javin Whatley on a difficult catch, sealing the loss.
 
The Wildcats held control late in regulation, leading 24-14 with just over 11 minutes to play after a powerful 36-yard touchdown run by Kedrick Reescano, who broke multiple tackles up the middle of the BYU defense. But BYU rallied, tying the game at 24 with a 2-yard touchdown run from freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier with 19 seconds remaining.
 
In double overtime, Bachmeier scored on a 7-yard keeper to put BYU ahead 33–27. Arizona's defense held on the two-point try, giving the offense a chance to answer but the final pass just missed.
 
Despite the loss, Arizona's offense showed resilience, especially after a weather delay of over 75 minutes early in the second quarter due to lightning from the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla. Trailing 14-7 during the stoppage, the Wildcats regrouped. Fifita connected with Chris Hunter for a 35-yard touchdown late in the second quarter, giving Arizona a 17-14 halftime lead.
 
Fifita finished with 219 yards, two touchdown passes and one interception. Kris Hutson was a reliable target all night, hauling in nine catches for 106 yards and a score.
 
Defensively, the Wildcats had strong stretches but struggled to contain BYU's rushing attack. Bachmeier ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 172 yards, and LJ Martin added 162 rushing yards and a score.
 
Arizona will look to regroup on the road next Saturday, Oct. 18, against Houston.