Rosemont, Pa. - (11/8/2025) - 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 bullied their way to the basket with senior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) going 10-of-11 (.909) at the free throw line in an 18-point performance that came with seven rebounds and six steals. Sophomore guard Bruce Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) (5 rebounds, 3 assists) and junior guard Mazen Sayed (Chichester, Pa.) (4, 5) took turns running the floor as the duo combined for nine rebounds and eight assists.

Griffin Highlights

• The Gwynedd Mercy University lead reached double-digits for the first time on a fastbreak connection between Sayed and junior guard Zaiyin Keys (Chichester, Pa.); 16-5 (11:58, 1st HALF).
• Five minutes later (6:50), it reached a first-half max of 15-points, 28-13, and it hovered there 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). Soon after the Griffins launched a 34-18 run to the contest's conclusion.
• 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.
• Sayed and graduate guard Dylan Harris (Bloomsburg, Pa.) joined Johnson in double figures; Sayed produced 11 points off his hustled, while Harris helped stretch the floor with three three-pointers (3-of-6, .500) and 13 total points.

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.