MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Arizona fell to West Virginia, 87–68, Friday afternoon at Hope Coliseum.

The Wildcats stayed competitive early, shooting 61.5 percent in the opening quarter and holding a brief lead midway through the period, but West Virginia used a strong finish to the first quarter and a decisive second-quarter run to take control. The Mountaineers outscored Arizona 27–9 in the second quarter to build a 50–26 halftime advantage.

Arizona showed resilience after the break, scoring 19 points in the third quarter and 23 in the fourth, but the early deficit proved difficult to overcome.

Tanyuel Welch led Arizona with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Daniah Trammell added 15 points off the bench, while Mireia Jurado finished with seven points in limited minutes. Noelani Cornfield recorded five points and a team-high six assists.

Arizona shot 51.7 percent from the field and held a 48–44 edge in points in the paint, but 29 turnovers led to 38 points for West Virginia.

West Virginia placed five players in double figures and was led by Kierra Wheeler with 17 points.

Arizona continues its road swing at Cincinnati on Tuesday at 4:30 MST on ESPN=.