The official athletics site of Gwynedd Mercy University.

Stewart Selected as AEC Defensive Player of the Week, Parker Placed on Weekly Honor Roll
 
Lancaster, Pa. – (1/2/2024) – Gwynedd Mercy University won their final three games of 2023 thanks in large part to the play of junior guard Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) and senior guard Aziz Parker (Westampton, N.J.); the former was recognized as the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week while the latter appeared on the league’s Weekly Honor Roll. Neumann University senior forward Jalen Vaughns (Tobyhanna, Pa.) was named the Player of the Week with additional Weekly Honor Roll recognition given to Cabrini University freshman guard Bryan Warren (Sicklerville, N.J.) and junior guard Donoven Mack (New Castle, Del.).  
 
Gwynedd Mercy University (7-6) ended 2023 on a high note with consecutive wins over Saint Elizabeth University (W, 73-69 on Dec. 19), Penn State Brandywine (W, 94-62 on Dec. 21), and Rosemont College (W, 83-60 on Dec. 29). During that holiday stretch, Stewart fronted the Griffin defense with 3.0 rebounds (RPG) and 2.3 steals per game (SPG). He also averaged 7.0 points (PPG) and 4.3 assists per game (ASP), doing his fuel the Red and Gold offense. Parker was the main benefactor of Stewart’s play, scoring a team-high 16.0 PPG. Parker also averaged 3.0 RPG and made five assists in the wins over the Eagles, Nittany Lions, and Ravens.
 
Parker outscored Saint Elizabeth University (4-7) by a 15-12 (4:35) measure in the opening 15 minutes and finished with a perfect first half - 5-of-5 (1.000) from the field and 2-of-2 (1.000) from the free throw line - as Gwynedd Mercy University posted a 35-20 intermission edge on the Eagles. Unfortunately, the Red and Gold ended up needing the cushion with Saint Elizabeth University rallying from a 19-point deficit, 42-23 (16:14), in a 73-69 Griffin victory. Parker finished with a season-high 23 points with five three-point baskets (5-of-6, .833) in an 8-of-11 (.727) shooting performance that came with two free throws, three rebounds, and an assist. Stewart totaled four points, four rebounds, six assists, a block, and steal as a major contributor to the victory.

Gwynedd Mercy University was 10-of-18 (.556) from three-point range in a 45-28 first half that distanced the Griffins for an eventual 94-62 win at Penn State Brandywine. Parker was 2-of-3 (.667) from beyond the arch and finished the contest with eight points while recording three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Meanwhile, Stewart totaled four points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the victory over the Nittany Lions.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University (7-6) closed out 2023 with an 83-60 victory at Rosemont College (2-10). The Griffins earned a sizable 43-22 halftime lead by forcing the Ravens into 14 first-half turnovers and holding the home side to 7-of-19 (.368) shooting. Meanwhile, Parker hit 4-of-6 (.667) from long range in a 15-point period that fueled the Red and Gold's 23-point triumph. He finished the contest with 17 points, three rebounds, and an assist, while Stewart continued to frustrate the opposition with 13 points, a rebound, three assists, and two steals.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University returns to action on Wednesday, January 3, when they open their AEC season with an 8:00 p.m. contest versus Neumann University.