Brooklyn, N.Y. - (1/7/2026) - Gwynedd Mercy University (8-4, 1-0) opened the 2026 portion of their schedule and Atlantic East Conference (AEC) play with tonight's 72-63 victory at Pratt Institute. Senior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) found himself at the center of the Red and Gold game plan as he finished with a game and career-high 20 points on 6-of-11 (.545) shooting effort that included four threes (4-of-6, .667) and came with six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Fellow senior captain, Jalen Snead (Philadelphia, Pa.) helped Johnson fuel the Gwynedd Mercy University offense with 12 points, a rebound, six assists, and a steal, while junior guard Zaiyin Keys (Chichester, Pa.) was a nice running mate off the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University showed their superiority early, seizing a 17-7 (11:09) advantage on a Johnson three-pointer just before the 11-minute mark.
• The Red and Gold expanded the difference to a first-half high 13 points on a Keys three a minute later, 22-9 (9:54), and the Griffins used their perch to own a 31-23 halftime edge.
• In the second half, a couple quick buckets (19:28, 18:56) from sophomore guard Bruce Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) spurred Gwynedd Mercy University out to a 12-point lead; 35-23 (18:56).
• The dozen points was enough for the Griffins to capture victory as a 12-of-14 (.857) performance at the free throw line ensured the league prize.
• In addition to Johnson, Snead, and Keys, junior guard Mazen Sayed (Chichester, Pa.) was a major contributor with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule this Saturday, January 10, when they visit Immaculata University for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.