Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (10/15/2026) – With the start of the 2026-2027 season on the horizon, Gwynedd Mercy University Head Men's Basketball Coach Darnell Artis is pleased to release the Griffins' upcoming schedule. "Last year was amazing, but its last year. We have a really strong non-conference schedule and, of course, our league games are always a battle whether you're home or away." He continued, "It will be key for us to show up focused every day. I believe this is a talented group; ready and in-shape to build their own identify and write their own story. We are excited and ready to go!"
 
In their first season under Coach Artis, the second-seeded Gwynedd Mercy University (19-8, 11-3) earned their spot in the 2025-2026 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Men's Basketball Championship with a commanding 96-77 semifinal victory over #3 Centenary University (N.J.) (Feb. 26). As a result, the Red and Gold hosted #4 Neumann University for the 2025-2026 AEC Men's Basketball Championship; from beginning to end the AEC title bout delivered in every way as the Voices of Gwynedd Mercy University provided a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem before the Griffins and Knights fiercely competed from tip-off until final buzzer. In the end, Neumann University benefited from some late calls and converted on their following chances at the free throw line to edge Gwynedd Mercy University in a 66-65 conclusion. The Red and Gold finished the campaign 19-8 overall and 11-3 in the AEC.
 
The 2026-2027 Gwynedd Mercy University men's basketball season begins on Wednesday, November 11 (8:00 p.m.), when the Griffins host Arcadia University for the Battle of 309. The Red and Gold is 21-13 all-time against the Knights, who won the 2025 meeting by a 75-55 (Nov. 12) final. Sophomore guard Bruce Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) poured in a game and career-high 23 points while leading Gwynedd Mercy University to a narrow 30-29 halftime lead. Unfortunately, Arcadia University countered with a powerful second-half surge that earned them the 20-point victory.

From there, the Griffins travel to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for a weekend showcase with the Lions, The City College of New York (CCNY), and Ursinus College; Gwynedd Mercy University is scheduled to play the Bears on Friday, November 13 (5:00 p.m.), and the Beavers on Saturday, November 14 (3:00 p.m.). The Red and Gold is 4-2 all-time against Ursinus College with the last meeting taking place in 2003 (W, 81-78 on Jan. 7), meanwhile it will be their first competition versus CCNY.
 
A return home on Wednesday, November 18 (8:00 p.m.), places the Griffins opposite Wilson College for the first time in program history. A commonality with a lot of 2026-2027 opponents, Gwynedd Mercy University is also scheduled to for first-time battles with Saint Francis University (Dec. 12, 3:00 p.m.), the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Dec. 21, 6:00 p.m.), Rhode Island College (Dec. 30, 7:00 p.m.), Maritime College (Dec. 31, TBA), New York University (Dec. 31, TBA), and Notre Dame of Maryland University (Jan. 6, TBA).
 
Gwynedd Mercy University closes out November with games versus Penn State Abington (Nov. 21, 1:00 p.m.) and TCNJ (Nov. 23, 7:00 p.m.). The Griffins are 4-1 all-time against these Nittany Lions and they have won the last three meeting, including last season's 86-70 (Dec. 8) victory. The Red and Gold consistently found graduate guard Dylan Harris (Bloomsburg, Pa.) for open perimeter shots and he made Penn State Abington pay for leaving him so open for six three-point baskets (6-of-9, .667 3PT%) in an 86-70 victory. Gwynedd Mercy University found their first double-digit lead with 7:33 (27-17) remaining in the first half. A late Nittany Lion push made the halftime spread look competitive; 39-33 (0:59), but the second half was a different story as a hot-handed Harris helped the Griffins put the contest out of reach. Five Griffins finished in double figures, including Harris' team-high 22 points. Gwynedd Mercy University is 1-1 all-time versus the Lions, winning the last meeting in 2008 (W, 85-69 on Nov. 21).
 
December's familiar opponents include Swarthmore College (Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.), Eastern University (Dec. 5, 1:00 p.m.), and Shenandoah University (Dec. 9, 7:00 p.m.). Gwynedd Mercy University is 5-2 all-time against the Garnet and they have won the last four meetings, including the last in 2003 (W, 81-69 on Jan. 13). The Griffins are 22-7 all-time against the Eagles, winning the last two. In 2025 (Nov. 19), the Red and Gold enjoyed a 94-80 triumph over Eastern University; senior guard Jalen Snead (Philadelphia, Pa.) stole the show with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a block, and three steals. As for the Hornets, the Griffins won the only meeting between the programs back in 2021 (W, 71-62 on Nov. 7).
 
In the New Year, Immaculata University will serve as Gwynedd Mercy University's first AEC opponent. The Griffins will visit the Mighty Macs on Saturday, January 16 (3:00 p.m.), and host them on Saturday, February 6 (3:00 p.m.). The Red and Gold is 35-10 all-time versus Immaculata University with victories in the last six meetings. Last season, Gwynedd Mercy University owned a 48-33 (0:08) halftime lead and a 65-47 (9:03) mid-second half edge in a January-10, but only escaped Immaculata University with an 88-86 (0:01) victory. Five Griffins finished in double figures, including Harris who shot his way to 21 points on 6-of-10 (.600) shooting performance - 4-of-8 (.500) from three - and a perfect 5-of-5 (1.000) clip at the free throw line. He was joined in double-digits by senior guard D.J. Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) (15 points), senior guard Devin Benson (Williamstown, N.J.) (14), Smith (14), and Snead (13).

At home, Gwynedd Mercy University used a late second half rally and dominated overtime in a thrilling 81-72 victory over the Mighty Macs. The Griffins trailed 40-36 at the break, but battled back with a 36-point second half that saw senior guard Jake Okon (Yonkers, N.Y.) deliver the lead with a three pointer at 11:44, 53-52, and junior guard Mazen Sayed (Chichester, Pa.) force overtime with another clutch three with just two second remaining; 66-66 (0:02). The Red and Gold ended it early in overtime, scoring the first nine points of the period behind their Snead and Johnson. Snead led four Griffins in double figures with a game-high 24 points; Johnson (17 points), Harris (15), and Sayed (11) were the others.
 
Centenary University (N.J.) is the next AEC opponent for the Red and Gold as they visit the Griffin Complex on Wednesday, January 20 (8:00 p.m.), and host Gwynedd Mercy University on Wednesday, February 10 (8:00 p.m.). The Griffins are 31-6 all-time against the Cyclones after splitting the last year's regular season meetings – W, 94-83 (Jan. 21) and L, 70-76 (Feb. 18) – and eliminating them from the AEC postseason with a 96-77 (Feb. 26) semifinal triumph.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University visited Centenary University (N.J.) for the first of the two regular season meetings. The Griffins shot well - 53.0% (35-of-66) from the floor, 55.6% (10-of-18) from three-point range, and 70.0% (14-of-20) from the free throw line - and did so in transition as they scored 22 off turnovers and 17 on the fastbreak in a 94-83 victory. Six Griffins finished in doubles figures; the pride was led by Johnson, who recorded four assists and two steals in addition to his first collegiate double-double; 16 points, 11 rebounds.
 
The second regular season meeting did not go as well with the Cyclones giving the Red and Gold trouble throughout a 76-70 conclusion. Snead led the Griffins with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal. Smith joined him in double figures with 16 points; he also recorded six rebounds and a block.
 
The postseason rubber-match saw #2 Gwynedd Mercy University earn their spot in the 2025-2026 AEC Men's Basketball Championship with a commanding 96-77 semifinal victory over #3 Centenary University. While the Red and Gold held the lead for most of the game, a dominate second half performance pushed them past the Cyclones with ease. Snead led all scorers with 28 points, including the first-half layup that put the Griffins in the lead (18-16, 10:36) and provided them with a momentum they never lost. Harris followed with 24 points thanks six three-pointers (6-of-10, .600), while Johnson added a dozen (12) second-half points, six assists, seven rebounds, and a steal.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University continues AEC play with Pratt Institute; the Griffins visit the Cannoneers on Saturday, January 23 (3:00 p.m.) and host them on Saturday, February 13 (3:00 p.m.). The Red and Gold are 4-0 all-time against Pratt Institute including last season's victories; 72-62 (Jan. 7) and 84-67 (Jan. 31). In the initial road contest, Johnson found himself at the center of the Gwynedd Mercy University 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. Snead 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.) made a nice running mate with 13 points and three rebounds off the bench.

The later home game saw Gwynedd Mercy University control Pratt Institute from the opening tip as they built on a 43-39 (0:38) halftime lead with a decisive 41-28 second half. The result was an 84-67 league victory for the Red and Gold. Harris scored 16 of his 23 points in the first half; the Griffins captain hit four of his six threes (6-of-7, .857) in the opening period while also finishing with a team-high seven rebounds. Johnson finished the contest with 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
 
Marymount University will be next on the Griffins' AEC schedule as they visit the Saints on Wednesday, January 27 (8:00 p.m.), before hosting them on Wednesday, February 17 (8:00 p.m.). Gwynedd Mercy University is 7-11 all-time against Marymount University; The Griffins won (61-57 on Feb. 11) the second of last year's meetings.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University ran out of time in a January-28 home game; 60-59. After rallying from a 50-42 (9:14) second-half deficit to briefly lead 59-58 (1:33) the Griffins' fate rested on the outcome of a last-second heave. Unfortunately, Johnson never really had a chance with two Saint defender draped all over his fleeting shot. Smith was around the basket all night as he finished the contest with 18 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and two steals. Off the bench, Sayed overcame a poor shooting night (2-of-10, .200) with a perfect performance at the free throw line (6-of-6, 1.000), three rebounds, and an assist.
 
On February 11, Gwynedd Mercy University handed the Saints their first conference loss of the season with a well fought 61-57 road victory. The affair featured nine lead changes and five ties, but late-game defense and free throws secured the Griffins victory. Smith led the Griffins with 14 points, four rebounds, and a block, while Johnson factored in with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal.
 
Saint Elizabeth University serves as the last of Gwynedd Mercy University's conference opponents with a home game against the Eagles on Saturday, January 30 (3:00 p.m.), and a road finale on Saturday, February 20 (3:00 p.m.). The Griffins are 4-0 all-time against Saint Elizabeth University after last season's sweep; W, 87-67 (Jan. 24) and W, 84-58 (Feb 21).
 
In the January-24 victory, Gwynedd Mercy University showcased their talents in a 20-point triumph. Johnson led four Griffins in double figures with 21 points; he was 9-of-10 (.900) from the field and 2-of-2 (1.000) from the free throw line, while recording a rebound, two assists, and a steal. Meanwhile, Harris hit 4-of-5 (.800) from long range and converted a layup for 14 points; he also recorded four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Meanwhile, the February-21 win saw Gwynedd Mercy University cap the regular season and celebrate six seniors with an 84-58 onslaught. The senior class contributed across the board with 56 of the Griffins' 84 points, 30 of their 51 rebounds, and 14 of their 16 assists.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University breaks up their AEC schedule on Thursday, February 4.
with a 6:00 p.m. home game versus Penn State Berks. The Griffins are 5-0 all-time against these Nittany Lions; the last meeting was a Red and Gold decision in 2014; 91-59 (Nov. 15).
 
The 2026-2027 AEC Men's Basketball Championship Tournament is scheduled to begin with semifinal contests on Tuesday, February 23. The championship will follow on Saturday, February 27.