SCRANTON, PA. -- Gwynedd-Mercy fell to longtime rival Alvernia Monday evening, 83-59, in the first game of the PNC Bank Royal Rumble hosted by the University of Scranton. The loss also snaps the Griffin four-game win streak.

GM (5-4) was led by freshman Darnell Artis (Philadelphia, Pa. / LaSalle College H.S.) and senior Frank Champion (Northfield, N.J. / Mainland). Artis scored a team high 16 points with Champion adding 11.

Both teams played even throughout the first ten minutes of the game with the score tied 16-16, the Crusaders would go on a 19-3 run over a five minute span capped off by a Terrance Bridgers layup to put Alvernia up 35-19. The Crusaders would take a 43-25 lead into the half.

The Griffins had trouble in gaining some ground in the second half with Alvernia pushing their largest lead of the game to 77-47 with just over five minutes remaining in the contest.

Alvernia (5-2) was led by Bridgers leading all scorers with 20 points. Brian Parker added 15 and Kahlil Bennett chipped in 13.

The Crusaders outrebounded the Griffins, 39-35. Sophomore Justin Knight (Mays Landing, N.J. / Oakcrest) pulled down seven rebounds to lead GM. Parker grabbed eight to lead Alvernia.

The Griffins return back to action tomorrow to take on tournament host Scranton in the consolation game of the PNC Bank Royal Rumble. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.