MIAMI, FL. -- The Gwynedd Mercy University Men's Basketball team defeated former PAC foe Eastern University 93-87 on Friday night in the first day of the HoopMIA D3 Holiday Shootout.
 
The Griffins were led by Arron Goodman and Cedric Elleby both recording a team high twenty one points.  Goodman in his first action this season was 8-of-13 from the field while Elleby was a productive 7-of-14 on the night.
 
Gwynedd took their largest lead of the game in the first half 38-18 with just under six minutes remaining in the half.  An Eastern three pointer just before the half cut the Griffin lead but GMercyU would hold a 45-36 lead into the break.
 
The Griffins would hold a 69-58 lead halfway through the second half on a pair of Goodman free throws. Elleby would contribute the Griffins next six points to match the Eagles offense to keep the score 75-64 with just over eight minutes remaining. Eastern would not go away quietly finding themselves trailing 83-80 with 1:37 remaining. Gwynedd would answer at the free throw line shooting 10-of-13 in the closing moments to secure the 93-87 victory.
 
Darnell Artis contributed 12 points along with six assists. For the game the Griffins shot 28-of-57 with five three pointers while going 32-of-44 from the charity stripe. The Eagles kept it close shooting 12-of-29 from behind the arc and 34-of-71 overall. 
 
The Eagles out-rebounded the Griffins 39-38. Julian Hyden led the Griffins with nine rebounds and 11 points. Jordan Johnson led Eastern with 20 points and eight boards.
 
The Griffins return back to action tomorrow night when they take on Hartwick College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.