Nick Foles threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Juron Criner with just over a minute to play to lift No. 16 Arizona to a 10-9 win over California in the Pac-10 opener for both teams at Tucson on Saturday night.

The Bears’ defense dominated most of the contest. Giorgio Tavecchio kicked three field goals to supply the offense for Cal but he also missed twice. His final miss, from 40 yards out while Cal nursed a 9-3 lead with just over two minutes to play, would have sealed the contest.

But Foles and the Wildcats took over and drove 77 yards in seven plays, highlighted by a 52-yard pass to Criner.

The Golden Bears lead 6-0 at the half as Tavecchio kicked a pair of field goals. Tavecchio’s first field goal, a 25-yarder capped a short drive following a fumble by Foles who was sacked on the play by Mychal Kendricks.

Cal scored again on its next possession as Tavecchio hit from 40 yards out following a 10-play, 53-yard drive.

Arizona finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter when Alex Zendejas booted a 46-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 6-3.