The official athletics site of Gwynedd Mercy University.

Johnson Draws Weekly AEC Defensive Player Title, Stewart Stays on Weekly Honor Roll
 
Lancaster, Pa. – (12/2/2024) – Gwynedd Mercy University guards, senior Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) and junior D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) were recognized on the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men’s Basketball Weekly Report for their play in the Griffins’ recent 80-48 victory over Juniata College (Nov. 26). A Weekly Honor Roll mention, Stewart grabbed three rebounds, made an assist, and two steals while totaling 18 points with six field goals (6-of-11, .545) and three free throws (3-of-5, .600). Meanwhile, Johnson was named the AEC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week after finishing with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and four steals.
 
Opposite Johnson, Neumann University junior forward Nigel Burch (Sicklerville, N.J.) was named the AEC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Stewart was joined on the Weekly Honor Roll by Centenary University (N.J.) sophomore guard Darnelle Forrest (Ewing, N.J.), Immaculata University senior guard John Proctor (Coatesville, Pa.), as well as Marymount University junior guard Miles Phillips (Chester, Va.) and sophomore forward David King (Lorton, Va.).
 
In a blink, Gwynedd Mercy University (5-0) owned a 13-0 (12:44) lead over Juniata College (0-6). The Griffin defense suffocated the Eagles as 14 turnovers, a 17.9% (5-of-28) shooting performance, and zero trips to the free throw line allowed the Red and Gold lead to surpass 20 points, 25-4 (4:56), on a layup from senior guard Mike Marable (Philadelphia, Pa.) with five minutes to play in the first half. Following a 36-11 (0:35) intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University increased their advantage to as many as 38 points, 64-26 (10:42), before balancing the floor in an 80-48 (0:02) conclusion.
 
The Red and Gold's aggressive defense sprung graduate guard Shawn Summers Jr. (Montclair, N.J.) and Stewart for high-scoring performances. Both Summers (4-of-6, .667/4-of-4, 1.000) and Stewart (4-of-8, .500/2-of-3, .667) scored a dozen points in the first half; they combined to go 8-of-12 (.750) from the floor and 6-of-7 (.857) from the free throw line. Gwynedd Mercy University has now outscored their opponents 236-118 in the first half; the effort against the Eagles was just the latest example of the Griffins' hostel defense triggering an offense that totaled 15 fast break points and afforded a the Red and Gold the chance to go 10-of-11 (.909) from the free throw line.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University resumes their schedule on Wednesday, December 4, when they visit Alvernia University for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.