Lancaster, Pa. – (12/4/2023) – Sophomore guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) spirited an early second-half run that separated Gwynedd Mercy University (3-3) from Salisbury University (4-4) by double digits, 52-42, with 11:33 still to play in the affair. He finished the 72-57 Red and Gold victory with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, a block, and three steals to earn the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week award. For the third straight week, Neumann University senior forward Jalen Vaughns (Tobyhanna, Pa.) was named the AEC Player of the Week, while Weekly Honor Roll mentions were given to Gwynedd Mercy University senior guard JoHaan Vinson (Philadelphia, Pa.), Marymount University first-year center C.J. Highsmith Jr. (Richmond, Va.), and Cabrini University junior forward Donoven Mack (New Castle, Del.).
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University lead reached as many 20 points, 65-45 (5:36), in the second half but settled on 15 points in the end. Gwynedd Mercy University outplayed the Sea Gulls in nearly every facet of the game as they shot better from the field (24-of-53, .453 - to - 21-of-58, .362), three-point range (10-of-26, .385 - to - 4-of-23, .174), and the free throw line (14-of-20, .700 - to - 11-of-20, .550), while grabbing more rebounds (39-36). Four Griffins finished in double figures, including graduate guard Manny Clark (Pottsgrove, Pa.)  - who grabbed eight rebounds in addition to his team-high 14 points – and Vinson, who recorded his first double-double in the Red and Gold with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Vinson was 3-of-8 (.375) from the field and 7-of-9 (.778) from the charity stripe and recorded an assist in addition to his double-double. Johnson was an all-around contributor with a season-high 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, a block, and three steals. He was 4-of-6 (.667) from the field, 2-of-3 (.667) from three, and 2-of-2 (1.000) from the free throw line.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University returns to action on Tuesday, December 5, when they visit National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I member, Delaware State University for a 7:00 p.m. exhibition.