Pacific Lutheran scored two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cap off a 41-23 win over Pacific on Saturday at Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore.
Riding a 28-2 lead into the fourth quarter of the Northwest Conference matchup, the Lutes sealed the win when junior nose tackle Mychael Tuiasosopo intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards, for PLU’s final score with 2:36 remaining in the game.
The victory moves the Lutes above .500 for the first time this season, with a 3-2 record (2-1 NWC). The Boxers are now 2-4 (1-2 NWC).
Entering the third quarter with an 18-2 lead, the Lutes increased the gap with a 22-yard field goal by Nick Kaylor and a 1-yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Dalton Ritchey, bringing the score to 28-2.
Pacific answered with back-to-back touchdowns on two 6-yard scoring passes by quarterback P.J. Minaya, the latter coming after an onside kick recovery.
Senior Brandon James, who capped a 75-yard drive with a 2-yard run at the end of the first quarter, led the Lutes in rushing with 70 yards on 11 carries. Ritchey was 24-for-31 for 262 yards with one TD and no interceptions.
Pacific’s Minaya was 32-for-45 for 342 yards with three interceptions and three TDs. PLU’s defense held Pacific to 73 rushing yards.
The Lutes return to conference play next Saturday, hosting undefeated Willamette.
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