While the Raiders (13-1) extended their win streak to 12 games, the Boxers (5-3) gave them fits for the second consecutive meeting, holding the Raiders to a season-low in points. The Boxers also limited All-American Shea Washington to 12 points, his second lowest output of the season.
The methodical Boxers positioned themselves for an upset late in the game, overcoming a 36-28 second-half deficit and forging a 45-44 lead with 5:48 remaining following a pull-up three-pointer from the top of the key by Branden Kawazoe.
The teams then battled to a 46-all deadlock with 3:25 to go before Matt Cowell ignited the game-sealing surge by scoring five of his team-high 15 points over the next 60 seconds, including a clutch three-pointer from the corner to put SOU up 51-47.
The Boxers managed to outshoot the Raiders 41 percent (11 of 27) to 35 percent (19 of 50), but saw many opportunities limited on the boards, where SOU held the 45-30 edge.
Kawazoe scored 12 of his game-high 19 points in the second stanza after a wild opening half that contained two huge momentum swings.
Pacific nailed its first four shots in jumping to a 9-0 lead before Raider guard Steve Farley broke the ice with a 3-pointer 4:13 into the contest. Southern overcame a 2-for-11 start by building a 29-23 halftime bulge.
Southern's sluggishness overshadowed Washington's 29th career double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds.
Ross Bartlett was the only other Boxer in double figure scoring, registering his first double-double of his collegiate career with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Pacific will conclude its pre-Christmas road trip Saturday night, facing Northwest Christian in Eugene. The Boxers will then return to action on Dec. 30, with a road trip to the Bay Area to duel Menlo.