The Wildcats are playing without Arizona center Kaleb Tarczewski because of a sprained left ankle he worsened Thursday against Santa Clara. UA coach Sean Miller started sophomore Dusan Ristic in his place, and started Elliott Pitts at small forward.
The Wildcats trailed 33-32 entering the final minute of the half, but Kadeem Allen drove through traffic for a layup with seven seconds to give the Wildcats the lead.
The lead changed hands 13 times in the first half, and neither team led by more than four points.
Arizona shot 58.3 percent for the half against the Friars, but also allowed 46.