SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock held off a late rally to defeat Indiana (Pa.) 30-27 on Saturday afternoon at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

IUP took an early 10-7 lead in the first quarter after Tavion Banks scored on a 5-yard run and Nick Andrasi connected on a 36-yard field goal. Slippery Rock responded quickly as JayJay Jordan broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run to tie the game.

The Crimson Hawks extended their lead in the second quarter when quarterback Matthew Rueve scrambled for a 17-yard touchdown, followed by a 43-yard field goal from Andrasi to make it 20-10.

Slippery Rock turned the tide in the third quarter, scoring twice on short runs from DaOne Owens to grab a 23-20 advantage. Owens later connected with Xander McClure for a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to make it 30-20.

IUP pulled within three when Banks found the end zone for the second time on a 2-yard run late in the fourth, but Slippery Rock's defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the win.

Rueve finished 15 of 33 for 233 yards and one interception. Banks led IUP's ground game with 57 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Owens paced Slippery Rock with 183 passing yards and one touchdown while adding 50 yards and two scores on the ground.

IUP totaled 349 yards of offense compared to Slippery Rock's 326. Both teams recorded 19 first downs.

Slippery Rock improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the PSAC West. IUP dropped to 4-2 and 2-1 in conference play.