Host Pacific Lutheran came back from a 17-6 deficit to rally for a 30-23 win over Pacific University on Saturday afternoon.

The Lutes (2-2, 1-1 NWC) scored a late touchdown to end the first half that cut the Pacific lead to 17-13 with :54 left in the first half. Then, on the second play of the second half, Hajriz Ali intercepted a J.T. Greenough pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to put host PLU ahead 20-17.

The Boxers (2-3, 1-1 NWC) were led by sophomore Josh Harris, who had 28 rushes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.  The 168 yards and two touchdown effort by Harris are the most by a Pacific ball carrier since Brandon Boyd ran for 184 yards and scored twice against Willamette (Nov. 4, 2017).

After PLU scored, late in the first quarter, the Boxers scored on three-straight drives for 17 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 17-6 lead.

Pacific got on the scoreboard after the Boxers defense forced a turnover to set up a short field. Three plays later, Caden Almer made a 30-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 6-3 with 11:02 left in the half. On the Boxers' next offensive possession, Harris marched Pacific down the field. He started the drive with a season-long 37 yard rush, then the Boxers got back to back first downs to set up first and goal. Pacific called on Harris to run it in from one yard out on 4^th down to put the Boxers ahead 10-6 with 6:16 left in the half.

Then, the Boxers defense forced a three and out of the PLU offense. Pacific came right back with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Greenough to junior Kobe Williams for his first touchdown reception of the season. The 60-yard reception is the longest of the season for the Boxers.

Following the Pacific touchdown, a quarterback change sparked the host Lutes, who ended the half with an eight play, 75-yard touchdown drive that cut the Boxers' lead to 17-13.

After the Lutes had came back to take a 27-17 lead, early in the fourth quarter, the Boxers got back on the scoreboard on a five-yard touchdown run by Harris. Twice in the drive, the Boxers converted a third down play to extend the drive.

A 16 play, 61 yard drive later in the quarter put the Lutes ahead by seven but there were comeback hopes on the Boxer sideline. Pacific managed to move the ball down to the 38 until the Lutes forced four-straight incomplete passes to seal the victory.

Next, Pacific will remain on the road for its next game to face Puget Sound on Saturday, October 13 at 1 p.m.