SEATTLE - Despite trailing by 13 in the second half, the Arizona women's basketball team closed to within a few points against Washington last night before coming up short, losing 77-73.

Freshman UA guard Dee-Dee Wheeler, whose 3-pointer brought the score to 75-72 with 30 seconds left in the game, missed the potential game-tying three off the front of the rim as time expired.

The Wildcats lost despite the third straight strong performance from the senior frontcourt tandem of Elizabeth Pickney and LaKeisha Taylor. Pickney led all scorers with 22 points, while Taylor contributed 16 points and a career-high 17 rebounds.

UW junior Loree Payne paced the Huskies with 22 points. Four UW players scored in double figures.

The Wildcats travel to Washington State to face the Cougars tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. PT.