Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/12/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (8-4, 0-1) fell on the short end of this evening's 67-52 final versus Neumann University (9-5, 1-0) as a 29.8% (17-of-57) shooting performance and a 31-20 rebounding disadvantage kept the Griffins grounded in their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) opener. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) hit all eight of his free throws (8-of-8, 1.000) while leading Gwynedd Mercy University with 20 points, four rebounds, an assist, and three steals. Graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) was the only other Griffin in double digits as he paired a dozen (12) points with four rebounds and an assist.

Gwynedd Mercy University scored the first seven points, 7-0 (17:50), of the affair but the Knights gradually recovered. Neumann University grabbed their first lead, 14-13 (9:06), just before the nine-minute mark and took advantage of nearly 11 scoreless minutes from the Griffins, 13:37 - 2:41, in an avalanche of misfortune that grounded the home team behind a 22-17 (1:21) halftime deficit. In the second half, O'Connor spirited the Gwynedd Mercy University resistance, scoring seven points in a quick run that brought the Griffins back within a basket, 30-28 (14:01), just before the 14-minute mark. Unfortunately, the Knight reply pushed the visitor's lead to double digits, 40-30 (11:18); enough to withstand a series of Parker free throws that put the Griffins within five points, 40-35 (10:03), with 10 minutes to play and eventually distance them for the 13-point win.

With a change of schedule, Gwynedd Mercy University will now visit Delaware Valley University on Saturday, January 15, for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off.