Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/15/2925) - An unprecedented unbeaten streak came to an end as Gwynedd Mercy University (13-1, 2-1) fell on the short side of tonight's 78-72 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) final with Marymount University (9-6, 3-0). Despite a 34-29 Griffin rebounding advantage, the Saints' first-half shooting - 6-of-13 (.462) from three-point range - was enough to earn the visitors a 34-27 halftime advantage and their 11-of-14 (.786) second-half free throw clip was enough to deny any Red and Gold reprise. Senior guard Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) led Gwynedd Mercy University with 19 points; he was 6-of-11 (.545) from the field with four three-point baskets (4-of-8, .500) and he hit 3-of-5 (.600) from the free throw line. His efforts were aided by the dirty work of senior guard Mike Marable (Philadelphia, Pa.) and sophomore guard Justin Savage (Philadelphia, Pa.); the former recorded 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, while the latter finished with 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University trailed Marymount University for the most of the first half as a Marable three pointer gave the Griffins their first lead, 22-21 (6:24), since the opening minutes of the affair (4-3, 18:51).
• Another Marable three gave the Griffins a four-point edge less than a minute later, 25-21 (5:37). But, the Red and Gold could not keep up with the Saints' perimeter shooting in a 13-2 run to halftime.
• Gwynedd Mercy University worked Marymount University's 34-27 first-half lead to a single point, 50-49, on the second of two free throws from Travon Mack (Coastesville, Pa.) with 10:52 to play, they evened the score at 54-54 on a Savage free throw at 8:36, and took a 58-57 lead when junior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) made a layup with 7:57 to go.
• Unfortunately, the Saints regained the lead for good just before the three-minute mark, 69-66 (3:12), and used some timely three-point baskets and clutch free throws to propel themselves to victory.
• Gwynedd Mercy University's 13-0 start to the 2024-2025 season is the longest winning streak in program history. The longest prior streak was an 12-game stretch during the 2003-2004 season; the Grffins' second season under Head Coach John Baron.

Gwynedd Mercy University briefly breaks from their AEC schedule to visit Salisbury University on Saturday, January 18, for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.