Aston, Pa. - (1/18/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (8-8, 2-1) evened a back-and-forth second half with a fastbreak layup from freshman guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) (79-79, 0:05), but tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) contest at Neumann University (13-4, 2-0) came down to a last-second long distance heave that served as the difference in an 82-79 final. Juniors, guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) and forward JoHann Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.) finished with 22 points apiece; the former headlined the duo with an additional eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University paced Neumann University throughout the opening frame, staking their first lead on Clark's first three-point basket (5-2, 18:05) and taking a 37-36 lead into the locker rooms with after slowing a late first-half rally.
• Johnson scored seven points in a 21-12 run that delivered Gwynedd Mercy University their largest lead of the first half; a 12-point advantage, 35-23 with 4:24 remaining.
• In the second half the Knights took the upper hand. The home team grew a 49-39 (15:24) lead before a Vinson-Clark fueled rally brought the score even just before the 11-minute mark (51-51, 11:02).
• The Griffins reclaimed the lead late in the affair, grabbing a 76-75 lead on a Clark layup with 1:38 to play. Unfortunately, it was short-lived as the late-game heroics of senior guard Ryan Starr (Upper Saddle River, N.J.) kept Neumann University a step ahead in the final seconds.
• Clark was 8-of-16 (.500) from the floor with half of his baskets coming from long range (4-of-6, .667). He also hit both his free throws (2-of-2, 1.000).
• In his third contest of 20 points or more, Vinson also provided two rebounds, a block, and a steal.
• Johnson finished with a dozen (12) points while recording seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
• Junior forward Mike McCants Jr. (Newark, Del.) was a defensive asset with four rebounds, three blocks, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University continuest their AEC schedule on Saturday, January 21, when they host Cabrini University for a 8:00 p.m. contest.