Lancaster, Pa. – (11/10/2025) – Gwynedd Mercy University senior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) spearheaded the Red and Gold defense in a 70-46 season-opening win at Rosemont College (Nov. 8) to earn himself the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week award. The Red and Gold captain totaled seven rebounds and six steals, while hitting 10-of-11 (.909) at the free throw line in an 18-point effort against the Ravens.
 
Opposite Johnson, Marywood University junior guard Michel Loftin (Atlanta, Ga.) was named the AEC Men's Basketball Player of the Week. The AEC Weekly Honor Roll included Pratt Institute junior forward Trey Phillips (Phoenix, Ariz.) as well as Immaculata University sophomore guard Christian Chambers (Orlando, Fla.) and junior guard Mandon Seapoe (Upper Darby, Pa.).
 
Gwynedd Mercy University (1-0) opened the 2025-2026 season and began the coaching career of Darnell "Speedy" Artis '16 with a victory as the Griffins carried a double-digit lead for a majority of tonight's 70-46 triumph over Rosemont College (0-1). The Red and Gold lead reached double-digits just past the 12-minute mark of the first half; 16-5 (11:58), and it hovered a bit higher before settling on a dozen points (12) at intermission; 36-24 (0:58). In the second half, two quick Rosemont College baskets temporarily cut the Gwynedd Mercy University lead to single digits; 36-28 (17:43). But soon after, the Griffins launched a 34-18 run to the contest's conclusion. The Red and Gold bullied their way to the basket all game long and Johnson was not the only Griffin to capitalize at the free throw line as the Red and Gold hit 16-of-19 (.842) from the charity stripe.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University welcomes St. Joseph's University Brooklyn to the Griffin Complex on Monday, November 10, for a 6:00 p.m. home opener.