TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona couldn't overcome a cold shooting performance Friday afternoon, falling 58-55 to UCF at McKale Center in a tightly contested conference matchup.

The Wildcats (10-6, 1-4) struggled to find consistent offense, shooting 34.4% from the field and just one of 17 from three-point range, but stayed within striking distance throughout, thanks to defensive pressure and hustle plays. Arizona forced 23 turnovers and turned them into 21 points, keeping the game close until the final minutes.

Nora Francois led Arizona with 10 points and 10 rebounds, recording her first double-double of the season while anchoring the Wildcats on the glass. Sumayah Sugapong added 10 points, while Noelani Cornfield chipped in eight points and a team-high seven assists. Mireia Jurado contributed seven points, and Tanyuel Welch added seven as Arizona relied on balance rather than a single scoring threat.

Arizona trailed 15-12 after the first quarter and went into halftime down 25-22. The Wildcats matched UCF basket for basket in the third quarter, tying the period 16-16, before entering the fourth down three. Arizona briefly pulled within one late in the game, but couldn't capitalize on key possessions down the stretch.

UCF (9-7, 1-4) was led by Khyala Ngodu's 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Mahogany Chandler-Roberts added 14 points as the Knights controlled the paint with 38 points inside. UCF shot 48.9% from the field and led for more than 31 minutes of game time.

Arizona held advantages in fast-break points (18-4) and bench scoring (13-6), but missed opportunities at the free-throw line and from beyond the arc proved costly in a game that featured three lead changes and three ties.

The Wildcats will look to regroup as conference play continues on Saturday in Fort Worth, where the Wildcats take on No. 13 TCU on the road at 3 pm MST. This game will be aired live on ESPN+.