Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (3/2/2022) - #8 Gwynedd Mercy University (15-11) and #9 William Paterson University (13-12) played a close game in tonight's Opening Round contest of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. The difference came just past the 11-minute mark of the second half, when key Pioneer three pointers pushed the visitors to a quick six-point lead, 69-63 (8:28). The Griffins looked to close in the final minutes and eventually whittled the William Paterson University lead to just two points, 78-76 (2:23), on a three-point bucket from sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.). Unfortunately, the Pioneers had one more shot in the barrel as their responding basket was the last in an eventual 80-76 (2:05) final. Parker led the Griffins with 23 points, hitting a season-high 6-of-9 (.667) from beyond the arch in an 8-of-14 (.571) shooting effort that came with three rebounds, three assists, a block, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University owned a 40-33 rebounding advantage and had fewer turnover than William Paterson University, but just feel a little short of the Pioneers in field goals; 32-29. Parker was joined in double figures by graduate guard Matt O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) (12 points) and graduate forward Donaven Spencer (Sicklerville, N.J.) (11). O'Connor complimented his dozen points with two rebounds and an assist, while Spencer completed his sixth double-double of the season with 13 rebounds. He also recorded an assist, a block, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University finishes the 2021-2022 season at 15-11 overall.