Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/22/2025) - Gwynedd Mercy University (15-2, 3-1) snared their third Atlantic

East Conference (AEC) victory of the season with tonight's 86-80 triumph over Centenary University (N.J.) (8-10, 2-3). Behind the a career-best 29-point performance from graduate guard
Shawn Summers Jr. (Montclair, N.J.), the Griffins came back from an early 15-6 (15:11) deficit to lead the Cyclones by as many as 12 points, 30-18 (8:10) with eight minutes remaining in the first half. Unfortunately, the Red and Gold would need to reassert themselves in the second half as a 42-40 (0:01) halftime lead was extended to a 77-67 (1:46) perch to withstand Centenary University's final push.
Griffin Highlights
- Gwynedd Mercy University used the free throw line to their advantage as they converted 17-of-23 (.739) from the charity stripe.
- Senior guard Aquil Stewart (Philadelphia, Pa.) triggered the Griffins' initial comeback with a pair of threes (14:45, 13:12); 12-15. Follow-up baskets from Summers (15-14, 11:58) and senior guard Mike Marable (Philadelphia, Pa.) (16-15, 11:43) gave the Red and Gold a 16-15 (11:43) advantage.
- From there, Gwynedd Mercy University improved their lead to a dozen (12) points, 30-18 (8:10), before key baskets from Summers (4:38, 2:46, 1:00) were needed to keep the Griffins in front headed to halftime; 42-40 (0:01).
- After intermission, the Griffin lead gradually returned to double digits, 77-67 (1:46), leaving Centenary University to put the Red and Gold at the line in a failed rally attempt.
- Summers was 11-of-16 (.688) from the field and 6-of-8 (.750) from the free throw line. He also recorded two rebounds, an assist, and four steals.
- Stewart (14 points), Marable (14), and junior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) (11) also scored in double figures. Stewart also recorded five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Marable additonally provided a team-high seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal. And Johnson added three rebounds, four assists, a block, and two steals to his points.
- Prior to the start of this evening's contest, Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics recognized Head Men's Basketball Coach John Baron with a plaque to commemorate his 400th career win, which was earned with an 84-83 victory over AEC, rival Immaculata University on Saturday, January 11.
Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Saturday, January 25, when they visit Neumann University for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.