The Wildcats (2-3) fell into a deep hole early, trailing 24-6 by halfway through the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park.
But quarterback Josh Johnson helped lead a Wildcats rally, as they scored a series of 21 unanswered points to take the 27-24 lead by the third quarter.
The defense helped seal the win with a recovery of a fumble by Tampa Bay (1-4) for a touchdown at 5:32 in the fourth.
Then with the score at 41-34, an end-zone interception ended Tampa Bay's attempt at a rally.
Next week the Wildcats travel to Seattle to face the Dragons (1-4).