Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/21/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (8-9, 2-2) emerged from the early action of tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) contest with a five-point edge, 14-9 (13:38), and maintained an advantage over Cabrini University (7-11, 2-3) until the later half of the opening period. There, the Cavaliers used a 22-8 run to take a 39-30 lead to the locker rooms. After letting the deficit slip to 17 points (52-35, 16:48), junior guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.), junior guard JoHaan Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.), and sophomore forward Christian Isopi (Philadelphia, Pa.) led a spirited Griffin rally that knocked the difference down to just three points (57-54, 8:07) just before the eight-minute mark. The continued effort of Vinson and the added punch of junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) delivered Gwynedd Mercy University a four-point lead, 66-62, with 3:24 to play. Unfortunately, Cabrini University recovered to tie the contest, 67-67 (1:24), two minutes later and overshadow an Aziz basket with a pair of trips to the free throw line and a closing dunk; 73-69.

Griffin Highlights

• Both teams recorded 35 rebounds, but Gwynedd Mercy University shared - 19-9 assists - and protected - 15-19 turnovers - the ball better than Cabrini University.
• The Griffins worked their way back into the contest with a 50.0% (15-of-30) shooting effort and a stout defensive pressure that caused 11 Cavalier turnovers in the second half.
• Clark and Parker each finished with 19 points. The former hit five threes (5-of-6, .833) in a 6-of-11 (.545) shooting effort that came with a pair of free throws (2-of-2, 1.000), five rebounds, and four assists. The latter hit a pair of threes (2-of-6, .333) in an 8-of-14 (.571) shooting effort that came with one free throw (1-of-2, .500), two rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
• Vinson finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
• Freshman guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) was a major contributor to the Griffins' cause with three points, six rebounds, three assists, and six steals.

Gwynedd Mercy University returns to action on Monday, January 23, when they welcome Immaculata University to the Griffin Complex for a 7:00 p.m. tip.