Reading, Pa. - (12/4/2024) - Gwynedd Mercy University (6-0) kept their undefeated streak intact with this evening's 91-90 overtime triumph at Alvernia University (4-2). The Griffins trailed the Golden Wolves by 11 points at halftime, 51-40 (0:04), but erased the deficit early in the second half, 60-60 (13:50), and sent the contest to the extra frame with a successful free throw from junior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.); 81-81 (0:05). In the overtime period, another Johnson free throw gave the Red and Gold a late lead, 88-87 (1:53), before a last-second drive from graduate guard Shawn Summers Jr. (Montclair, N.J.) delivered the finishing blow of a 91-90 (0:07) victory. Five Griffins finished in double figures, including Summers (19 points) and Johnson (11). So did senior guard Mike Marable (Philadelphia, Pa.), who had his finger prints all over the win with a dozen (12) points, seven rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and four steals.

Griffin Highlights

• For the first time this season, Gwynedd Mercy University struggled off the tip; they trailed by as many as 18 points, 43-25 (4:25), before cutting the halftime spread to 11 points, 51-40 (0:04), with a 15-8 run.
• The Griffins relied on their bench - 20 first-half points - and a 11-of-14 (.786) free throw effort to keep the gap manageable.
• Early in the second half, a Marable three-point play (45-55, 18:18), a pair of three-point baskets from senior guard Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) (17:18, 17:01), and some clutch plays from sophomore guard Justin Savage (Philadelphia, Pa.) brought the Red and Gold even with Alvernia University at 60-60 (13:50).
• From there, Gwynedd Mercy University led until Johnson's heroics were needed to facilitate an extra frame. He finished with two rebounds, an assist, and two steals in excess of his 11 points.
• Summers added five rebounds to his team-high 19 points.
• Stewart hit four threes (4-of-10, .400) in a 16-point effort that came with two rebounds, an assist, and two steals.
• Like Marable, Savage finished with 12 points. The latter also recorded a team-high nine rebounds, an assist, and a pair of blocks.
• Gwynedd Mercy University turned the Golden Wolves over 19 times to overcome a 55-41 rebound deficit. In total, the Griffins' aggressive defense produced nine blocks and 11 steals.

Gwynedd Mercy University looks to continue their winning ways on Friday, December 6, when they visit Penn State Abington for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.