Huntingdon, Pa. - (12/19/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University's one-two punch of junior guards Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) (25 points) and Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) (27) was on point in the opening game of the Juniata College Holiday Tournament as the backcourt duo combined to hit 18-of-27 ( .667) from the floor and 9-of-13 (.692) from the free throw line in a 52-point performance that led the Griffins to a 83-62 victory over Buffalo State (1-9).

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University's suffocating defense held Buffalo State to a 36.4% (24-of-66) shooting effort and capitalized on it with a 44-36 rebounding advantage that helped them improve on a 39-31 (0:16) halftime lead with a 44-31 second half performance.
• The Griffins made use of their extra possessions to hit 29-of-60 (.483) from the field, 9-of-20 (.450) from long range, and 16-of-23 (.696) from the free throw line.
• Parker made half of his 10 baskets (10-of-16, .625) from beyond the arc (5-of-8, .625) en route to a career-high 27 points. He also recorded five rebounds and two assists.
• Clark made a pair of three-point baskets (2-of-3, .667) in an 8-of-11 (.727) shooting performance that came with seven free throws (7-of-9, .778) and resulted in 25 points. He also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds while handing out two assists and making four steals.
• Junior guard JoHann Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.) played an important role off the bench with eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University will play the winner of tonight's match up between Juniata College and Penn State Mont Alto tomorrow, Tuesday, December 20 in a 4:00 p.m. championship game.