Immaculata, Pa. - (1/15/2022) - Midway through the overtime period of today's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) contest at Immaculata University (9-3, 2-1), the Gwynedd Mercy University (9-7, 3-0) made a critical stand (83-82, 2:45), forcing a shot clock violation and capitalizing on it with a layup from junior forward Haley Crossley (Warminster, Pa.) (85-82, 2:39) that propelled the Griffins to a 95-91 triumph over the rival Mighty Macs. Crossley finished with her seventh double-double of the season thanks to a season-high 33 points and a dozen (12) rebounds; she was 11-of-15 (.733) from the field and 10-of-13 (.769) from the free throw line. Sophomore guard Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) supported with 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Additional double-digit games came from junior guards Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) and Kelly Owens (Schwenksville, Pa.); the former paired 18 points with four rebounds and five assists, while the latter provided 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Junior forward Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) offered two points, 13 rebounds, an assist, three blocks, and four steals in her return to the lineup.

Immaculata University gained a late first-quarter edge on the Gwynedd Mercy University with a closing 11-7 run; 22-19 (0:09). The Mighty Macs kept their distance until the end fo the second frame, where an Eggers three (37-35, 2:05) and an Owens layup (37-37, 0:58) tied the contest for the final minute of the half. There, Eggers free throws game the Griffins a two point lead, 39-37 (0:26), before a long-range buzzer beater gave the home team a 40-39 (0:02) halftime advantage. After intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University took control of the affair on a Sylvester three with 7:40 remaining in the third quarter; 46-44. The Griffins separated by as many as nine points, 55-46 (5:24), midway through the period, but only held a two-point edge, 61-59 (0:59)heading to the final frame of regulation. The fourth quarter was neck-and-neck with the Mighty Macs briefly distancing, 74-70 (3:05), until the Griffins rallied for a late 80-78 (0:04) advantage. An unfortunate Immaculata University bucket forced overtime, where the Griffin defense redeemed itself with the 24-second expiration.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Monday, January 17, when they visit Cabrini University for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off.