Ariza, who missed 17 games with a left calf injury earlier this season, has played solidly and more often in recent games, and his four-point play to start the fourth quarter gave the Wizards a 74-73 lead.
Anthony had 13 points but Lowry made four 3-pointers and DeRozan converted a three-point play with a second left to tie the score at 32 after one quarter.
Cook scored 12 and completely outplayed UNC freshman point guard Marcus Paige, who regressed from his recent strong play with four points on 1-for-6 shooting and five turnovers.
Ulster new boy Schifcofske went on to reduce the half-time gap to just a point when he converted two out of four penalties as indiscipline crept into the Scarlets play.