Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (11/26/2024) - In a blink, Gwynedd Mercy University (5-0) owned a 13-0 (12:44) lead over Juniata College (0-6). The Griffin defense suffocated the Eagles as 14 turnovers, a 17.9% (5-of-28) shooting performance, and zero trips to the free throw line allowed the Red and Gold lead to surpass 20 points, 25-4 (4:56), on a layup from senior guard Mike Marable (Philadelphia, Pa.) with five minutes to play in the first half. Following a 36-11 (0:35) intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University increased their advantage to as many as 38 points, 64-26 (10:42), before balancing the floor in a 80-48 (0:02) conclusion. The Red and Gold's aggressive defense sprung graduate guard Shawn Summers Jr. (Montclair, N.J.) and senior guard Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) for high-scoring performances; the former scored 20 points for a third straight game with six field goals (6-of-10, .600) and six free throws (6-of-6, 1.000), while the latter totaled 18 points with six field goals (6-of-11, .545) and three free throws (3-of-5, .600).

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University has now outscored their opponents 236-118 in the first half; this evening was just the latest example of the Griffins' hostel defense triggering a offense that totaled 15 fast break points and afforded a the Red and Gold the chance to go 10-of-11 (.909) from the free throw line.
• Both Summers and Stewart scored a dozen points in the first half; they were the beneficiaries of defense provided by junior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) and crew. Johnson made a block and was one of three Griffins with two steals in the period.
• In the second half, nine different Griffins put points on the scoreboard. Summers and sophomore guard Mazen Sayed (Chichester, Pa.) scored eight points apiece in the closing frame, which saw Gwynedd Mercy University continue to shoot well from the free throw line; 9-of-10 (.900), and push the Juniata College turnover total to 27.
• Johnson finished with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and four steals.
• Junior guard Jalen Snead (Philadelphia, Pa.) was a playmaker with four points, a rebound, five assists, and four steals.
• Sophomore guard Justin Savage (Philadelphia, Pa.) grabbed a team-high seven rebounds to go along with three points, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University resumes their schedule on Wednesday, December 4, when they visit Alvernia University for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.