Aston, Pa. - (2/22/2023) - The backcourt duo of freshman D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) and junior Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) got #3 Gwynedd Mercy University (14-13) out to an early 11-2 (17:00) lead over #2 Neumann University (20-6) in tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Semifinal. Unfortunately, the lead did not stay in the Griffins' favor as the Knights used a 43-34 rebounding advantage as well as a superior shooting performance from the field (43.4% - 27.6%) and three (66.7% - 28.6%) to outweigh Gwynedd Mercy University in an eventual 72-51 conclusion.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/20/2023) - #3 Gwynedd Mercy University (14-12) will advance to the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men's Basketball Semifinals after tonight's 95-75 triumph over #6 Marywood University (10-16). The Pacers looked to control the contest early, 8-3 (17:38), but the Griffins' up-tempo game plan and sharp shooting - 21-of-37 (.568) from the field and 7-of-16 (.438) from three - overcame for a 10-point halftime advantage, 51-41 (0:02), and a walk away postseason win.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/15/2023) - Junior guard JoHaan Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had the hot hand early, drawing a three-shot foul (5-0, 17:37) and hitting a pair of threes (15:19, 14:56) to boost Gwynedd Mercy University (12-12, 6-5) to a quick double-digit lead, 14-4 (14:56), over Centenary University (NJ) (7-15, 2-9). The Griffin advantage held through halftime, 34-30 (0:00), and the first few minutes of the second half, 38-37 (17:07). Later, more key Vinson three pointers (9:03, 8:31) and the backcourt hustle of freshman guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) and senior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) delivered Gwynedd Mercy University from a five-point deficit (45-40, 3:55) to a nine-point perch (64-55, 8:31) and an eventual 85-79 (0:00) in tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) home finale.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/11/2023) - Another Atlantic East Conference (AEC) battle between the Griffins and Knights went wire-to-wire as Gwynedd Mercy University (11-12, 5-5) owned the largest lead - 28-19 (5:22, 1st) - and won the turnover spread (12-17) in a game they unfortunately lost to Neumann University (17-6, 7-3); 54-50. After an slow start, the Griffins gradually grew their margin until a better shooting effort - 43.5% (20-of-46) - 39.6% (21-of-53) - and a few untimely miscues let the Knights grab a narrow 33-23 (0:59) halftime lead. After intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University regained the higher ground to a seven-point edge (40-33, 15:18) only for Neumann University to rally for a 42-42 (9:40) tie and escape the Griffins in a tightly-played conclusion.
Scranton, Pa. - (2/8/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (11-11, 5-4) completed their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) sweep of Marywood University (10-13, 3-7) with this evening's 80-70 triumph over the Pacers. The Griffins trailed by ten points at halftime, 41-31 (0:00), but reversed the spread by the final buzzer thanks to an early second-half surge and a series of clutch baskets from junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.), freshman guard Thomas Brown (Philadelphia, Pa.), and junior guard JoHaan Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.); 80-70 (0:18). All three finished in double figures with the first totaling a game-high 18 points in excess of four rebounds, two assists, and five steals.
Griffin Highlights
Gwynedd Mercy University held a slight rebound edge, 38-36, and took better care of the basketball with 10 turnovers to Marywood University's 15.
The Griffins shot better from the field - 49.2% (31-of-63) to 37.9% (25-of-66) - and three-point range - 42.9% (6-of-14) to 32.5% (13-of-40) - but the Pacers were a perfect 7-of-7 (1.000) from the free throw line. Gwynedd simply frequented the charity stripe more often; 12-of-15 (.800).
Clark hit both of his three-point attempts (2-of-2, 1.000) in an 8-of-13 (.615) shooting performance. He has now scored at least 10 points in 19 of 22 contests this season.
Vinson also hit two threes (2-of-6, .333) in a 7-of-15 (.467) shooting performance that came with a free throw (1-of-1, 1.000), three rebounds, two assists, and a block.
Brown paired his 12 bench points with six rebounds and a steal.
Sophomore forward Dom Thomas (Mullica Hill, N.J.) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. He also recorded six points and a steal.
Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Saturday, February 11, when they host Neumann University for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/1/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (10-11, 4-4) used a 22-15 rebounding advantage to forge a 29-25 halftime lead over Marymount University (12-9, 7-1). Unfortunately, the opening effort was no match for the Saints' second half as the visitors shot 75.0% (21-of-28) from the floor en route to a 78-55 final.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/25/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (10-9. 4-2) fared well from long range, hitting 13-of-32 (.406) from beyond the arch in a 77-57 victory that saw the Griffins stake a 39-17 halftime lead over Centenary University (6-12, 1-5) thanks to three three-point baskets (3-of-6, .500) and five free throws (5-of-6, .833) from junior guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.). In the second half of the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) affair, the dribble drive game of junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) and sophomore forward Dom Thomas (Mullica Hill, N.J.) was enough to keep the Cyclones at bay.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/23/2023) - Forcing 25 turnovers, while shooting slightly better from long range (28.6% - 25.0%) and the free throw line (66.7% - 63.0%), Gwynedd Mercy University (9-9, 3-2) emerged as the victor in tonight's rough-and-tumble Atlantic East Conference (AEC) meeting with Immaculata University (5-13, 2-3); 60-54. Ten different Griffins scored at least a point, including a team-high 11 points from junior guard JoHaan Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.).
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.
Aston, Pa. - (1/18/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (8-8, 2-1) evened a back-and-forth second half with a fastbreak layup from freshman guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) (79-79, 0:05), but tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) contest at Neumann University (13-4, 2-0) came down to a last-second long distance heave that served as the difference in an 82-79 final. Juniors, guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) and forward JoHann Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.) finished with 22 points apiece; the former headlined the duo with an additional eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/12/2023) - The Griffin Complex was at a fever pitch this evening as a semester's return and the lure of the inaugural Atlantic East Conference "Play for Joey" Games filled the bleachers with fans for a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) White Out. A well-played first half saw both teams shoot 50.0% or better from the field and from three-point range. Gwynedd Mercy University (8-7, 2-0) flipped the switch on defense in the latter frame, holding Marywood University (6-9, 0-3) to a 8-of-23 (.348) shooting performance that was mired by 10 turnovers and a dizzying effort for senior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) that left himself with a career-high 38 points and the Griffins with a 95-82 league victory.
Arlington, Va. - (1/7/2023) - Continuing an impressive run, Gwynedd Mercy University (7-7, 1-0) evened their record at 7-7 and earned their first Atlantic East Conference (AEC) win with a 76-72 victory in today's league opener at Marymount University (5-9, 1-1). The one-two combo of junior guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) and junior forward JoHann Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.) helped the Griffins keep close in a 41-37 Saint first half. The latter captained a late second-half rally that brought the Griffins from nine-point deficit, 64-55 (10:52), to their final four-point perch.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/4/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (6-7) made short work of Penn State Brandywine (6-6) in their final non-conference game of the season as the Griffins grew an early 11-point, 15-4 (13:01), lead into a 42-13 (0:04) halftime advantage and an eventual 86-35 (1:24) victory. The 51-point triumph was forged by the hot hand of junior guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) and a suffocating team defense that held the Nittany Lions to a 25.5% (14-of-55) field goal percentage and a 17.6% (3-of-17) three-point percentage.
Staten Island, N.Y. - (12/22/2022) - Wagner College (7-4) could not lose Gwynedd Mercy University (5-7) in the first half of tonight's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I exhibition as the Griffins tied the Seahawks at 10-10 (14:26) and rallied from a nine-point deficit, 19-10 (9:25), to knot the contest at 31-31 (0:49) and trail 35-32 (0:03) at intermission. Gwynedd Mercy University kept the difference in single digits until Wagner College took a 43-32 lead with 16:41 to play. Unfortunately, the Griffins never recovered in an eventual 89-55 final.
Huntingdon, PA - (12/20/22) - The Gwynedd Mercy Men's Basketball Team fell 61-64 to Juniata College in the Juniata College Holiday Tournament Championship game. Manny Clark and Aziz Parker were each named to the All-Tournament team.
Huntingdon, Pa. - (12/19/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University's one-two punch of junior guards Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) (25 points) and Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) (27) was on point in the opening game of the Juniata College Holiday Tournament as the backcourt duo combined to hit 18-of-27 ( .667) from the floor and 9-of-13 (.692) from the free throw line in a 52-point performance that led the Griffins to a 83-62 victory over Buffalo State (1-9).
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (12/17/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (4-6) played their final home game of the 2022 calendar year as they played host to Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen (4-6). At the half, the Griffins would lead the Dutchmen 28-25. As the second half got underway Lebanon Valley went on an 8-0 run and put the Dutchmen up 33-28 early in the second half. The head coach of the Griffins John Baron called a timeout and inserted freshman guard Thomas Brown (Philadelphia, Pa.). Brown would provide the offensive spark in the second half and eventually help propel Gwynedd Mercy to a 70-61 victory. Brown finished the game 4-9 from the field with 14 points. Three of those four made shots came from behind the arc. Brown also finished with three rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (12/3/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (3-6) started the first half slow shooting only 9-28 (32%) and being down to Cairn University (5-5) 29-22. Team leading scorer and rebounder for the Griffins, junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) finished the first half only with five points and one rebound, however, the second half was a different story. Clark played with a different burst in the second half allowing him to go 5-11 from the field to finish the game with a team-high 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and giving Gwynedd Mercy the victory over Cairn University 60-43.
Philadelphia, Pa. - (12/7/2022) - Junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) scored a game-high 19 points, but Gwynedd Mercy University (2-6) lost tonight's Battle of the Griffins to Chestnut Hill College (3-7) by a 67-52 margin. Clark hit 9-of-18 (.500) from the floor and also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds to keep Gwynedd Mercy University competitive against their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II opponent.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (12/3/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (2-5) earned their second straight win over Bryn Athyn College (3-1). The Lions came out of the gate leading the Griffins 18-13 and eventually 22-21, but that would be the last lead Bryn Athyn would stand on all game. Gwynedd Mercy continued to gain second-chance points and stellar defense to give them a 47-36 lead going into the half. As the game was coming down to the wire, the Lions made it a seven-point game with less than 13 minutes to go (57-50). A couple of late three-pointers by Junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) and Junior guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) sealed the game for the Griffins with a final score of 86-68.
Baltimore, MD - (11/30/22) - The Gwynedd Mercy Men's Basketball Team defeated Goucher 55-43 picking up their first win of the season.
Highlights:
Senior captain, Manny Clark, led his team in points (17) and rebounds (a career high 15) while also adding 3 assists and a steal. Tonight's baskets brings Clark to 502 career points in just 62 games.
Sophomore forward, Dom Thomas, followed with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Clark opened up the scoring hitting a jumper for two and the Gophers responded with a basket of their own. That would be the last time the score was tied for the entire game.
The Griffins ended the first half with an 8 point lead (24-16) and outscored the Gophers by 4 in the second half (31-27).
The Griffs will be back in action this Saturday December 3rd when they host Bryn Athyn for a 2pm start.
Reading, Pa. - (11/22/2022) - Junior guards Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) (21 points) and Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) (15) both recorded their third consecutive contest in double figures, but Gwynedd Mercy University (0-5) suffered their fourth straight loss as a 50-39 second half carried Alvernia University to an 83-67 win over the Griffins. The duo combined to hit 15-of-21 (.714) from the field, grab nine rebounds, and distribute five assists for the Gwynedd Mercy University effort.
Purchase, NY - (11/19/22) - Gwynedd Mercy University (0-4) took part in the Consolation Game against William Patterson University (3-1) held by Manhattanville College. The Griffins going into the second half were leading the Pioneers 35-32, but with the Pioneers outscoring the Griffins 40-30 in the second half William Patterson University walked away with a 72-65 victory. Junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) finished 6-12 (50%) from the field scoring 15 points and was 3-7 (42.9%) from behind the arc. Clark also finished with a team-high three steals and also recorded six rebounds.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (11/15/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (0-2) led Arcadia University (2-1) until the final minutes of first half in tonight's commencement of the Battle of 309. In those minutes, the Knights extended their advantage to six points (34-28, 0:08) for intermission. Following the break, Arcadia University's lead grew to as many as 11 points (43-32, 15:54) before a brilliant tip-in from freshman guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) tied the contest at 60-60 with 3:34 to play. Unfortunately, the Knights separated with a three (63-60, 3:26) and managed to stay ahead of the Griffins until a 71-64 conclusion.
Jenkintown, Pa. - (11/9/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (0-1) opened their 2022-2023 season schedule with tonight's late finish at Penn State Abington (1-0). The Nittany Lions recovered from a 30-21 halftime deficit to defeat the Griffins by a 58-51 final. Junior guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) scored a career-high 26 points on 10-of-16 (.625) shooting; he was 3-of-5 (.600) from three-point range and hit all three of his free throws (3-of-3, 1.000).
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (3/2/2022) - #8 Gwynedd Mercy University (15-11) and #9 William Paterson University (13-12) played a close game in tonight's Opening Round contest of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. The difference came just past the 11-minute mark of the second half, when key Pioneer three pointers pushed the visitors to a quick six-point lead, 69-63 (8:28). The Griffins looked to close in the final minutes and eventually whittled the William Paterson University lead to just two points, 78-76 (2:23), on a three-point bucket from sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.). Unfortunately, the Pioneers had one more shot in the barrel as their responding basket was the last in an eventual 80-76 (2:05) final. Parker led the Griffins with 23 points, hitting a season-high 6-of-9 (.667) from beyond the arch in an 8-of-14 (.571) shooting effort that came with three rebounds, three assists, a block, and a steal.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa, - (2/21/2022) - #3 Gwynedd Mercy University (15-10) owned a 58-53 (4:04) lead over #6 Centenary University (11-12) with a little more than four minutes remaining in the contest. Unfortunately, the Cyclones outscored the Griffins 10-5 in those final four minutes, rallying for a 62-58 (1:01) lead before having to hold the home team off in the final seconds of a 66-63 final. Graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) hit a set of free throws to cut Centenary University's late lead to one point, 64-63 (0:16) and he finished as Gwynedd Mercy University's leading scorer with 16 points. He also recorded a rebound and two assists. Senior guard Ty Jones (Harlem, N.Y.) was the only other Griffin in double figures; he scored a dozen (12) points in addition to grabbing seven rebounds, making two assists, and a steal. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) offered eight points, a team-high 10 rebounds, five assists, a block, and four steals to the Gwynedd Mercy University effort.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/16/2022) - This evening's memorable senior recognition was only to be outdone by the thrilling competition on the floor as Gwynedd Mercy University (15-9, 7-5) concluded their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season with a 90-81 overtime victory over Marywood University (7-16, 2-9). Graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) headlined the Griffin senior class and box score with a team-high 26 points, a rebound, six assists, a block, and two steals. Senior guard Ty Jones (Harlem, N.Y.) was exceptional as well hitting all 11 of his free throws (11-of-11, 1.000) in a 21-point performance that came with eight rebounds and two assists. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) was the third Griffin in double figures as he paired 15 points with two rebounds, three assists, a block, and two steals. Senior forward Shane Ford (Blue Bell, Pa.) recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, while also totaling six points and two blocks. In addition to O'Connor, Jones, and Ford, the Gwynedd Mercy University also recognized graduate forwards Donaven Spencer (Sicklerville, N.J.) and Justin Collins (Springfield, Pa.) prior to tonight's tip-off.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/16/2022) - This evening's memorable senior recognition was only to be outdone by the thrilling competition on the floor as Gwynedd Mercy University (15-9, 7-5) concluded their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season with a 90-81 overtime victory over Marywood University (7-16, 2-9). Graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) headlined the Griffin senior class and box score with a team-high 26 points, a rebound, six assists, a block, and two steals. Senior guard Ty Jones (Harlem, N.Y.) was exceptional as well hitting all 11 of his free throws (11-of-11, 1.000) in a 21-point performance that came with eight rebounds and two assists. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) was the third Griffin in double figures as he paired 15 points with two rebounds, three assists, a block, and two steals. Senior forward Shane Ford (Blue Bell, Pa.) recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, while also totaling six points and two blocks. In addition to O'Connor, Jones, and Ford, the Gwynedd Mercy University also recognized graduate forwards Donaven Spencer (Sicklerville, N.J.) and Justin Collins (Springfield, Pa.) prior to tonight's tip-off.
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/16/2022) - This evening's memorable senior recognition was only to be outdone by the thrilling competition on the floor as Gwynedd Mercy University (15-9, 7-5) concluded their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season with a 90-81 overtime victory over Marywood University (7-16, 2-9). Graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) headlined the Griffin senior class and box score with a team-high 26 points, a rebound, six assists, a block, and two steals. Senior guard Ty Jones (Harlem, N.Y.) was exceptional as well hitting all 11 of his free throws (11-of-11, 1.000) in a 21-point performance that came with eight rebounds and two assists. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) was the third Griffin in double figures as he paired 15 points with two rebounds, three assists, a block, and two steals. Senior forward Shane Ford (Blue Bell, Pa.) recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, while also totaling six points and two blocks. In addition to O'Connor, Jones, and Ford, the Gwynedd Mercy University also recognized graduate forwards Donaven Spencer (Sicklerville, N.J.) and Justin Collins (Springfield, Pa.) prior to tonight's tip-off.
Men's Basketball Season Ends with AEC Semifinal Loss at #2 Neumann University
February 22, 2023Aston, Pa. - (2/22/2023) - The backcourt duo of freshman D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) and junior Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.) got #3 Gwynedd Mercy University (14-13) out to an early 11-2 (17:00) lead over #2 Neumann University (20-6) in tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Semifinal. Unfortunately, the lead did not stay in the Griffins' favor as the Knights used a 43-34 rebounding advantage as well as a superior shooting performance from the field (43.4% - 27.6%) and three (66.7% - 28.6%) to outweigh Gwynedd Mercy University in an eventual 72-51 conclusion.
