Morristown, N.J. - (1/24/2026) – Gwynedd Mercy University (5-12, 2-4 AEC) delivered a strong road performance Saturday afternoon, battling back in the second half and cutting a late deficit to one possession before narrowly falling, 66–63, to Saint Elizabeth University (9-8, 3-3 AEC) in an Atlantic East Conference (AEC) showdown. Sophomore guard Brianna McFadden (Fairless Hills, Pa.) sparked the comeback with a game and career-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-12 (59%) from the floor and knocking down three three-pointers, including a clutch triple in the closing seconds that cut the deficit to three. McFadden also recorded three rebounds in 22 minutes of game action.
Griffin Highlights:
- After a slow offensive start, the Griffins found their footing in the second quarter, trimming the gap to just 28–25 at halftime behind improved ball movement and aggressive rebounding. Gwynedd Mercy continued that momentum coming out of the locker room, outscoring Saint Elizabeth 17–15 in the third quarter and setting up a tightly contested final period.
- The fourth quarter displayed the Griffins' resilience, as Gwynedd Mercy poured in 21 points and grabbed its first lead of the game early in the frame.
- Senior forward Erin Eisenhart (Bethlehem, Pa.) posted a complete effort with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a block while playing all 40 minutes. Junior forward Rachel Dunn (Lansdale, Pa.) added nine points and nine rebounds, consistently creating second-chance opportunities, while freshman guard Layla Verbit (Sellersville, Pa.), starting her second straight game, contributed eight rebounds and five free throws during key stretches of the second half.
- Gwynedd Mercy finished with a 55–52 rebounding advantage, with 22 offensive boards leading to 18 second–chance points. The Griffins also scored 30 points in the paint and added 12 fast-break points, repeatedly pressuring Saint Elizabeth's defense.
Gwynedd Mercy University returns to conference play on Wednesday, January 28, when the team travels to Marymount University for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off.