The  memorable senior recognition was only to be outdone by the thrilling competition on the floor as Gwynedd Mercy University (15-9, 7-5) concluded their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season with a 90-81 overtime victory over Marywood University (7-16, 2-9). Graduate guard Matt O’Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.) headlined the Griffin senior class and box score with a team-high 26 points, a rebound, six assists, a block, and two steals. Senior guard Ty Jones (Harlem, N.Y.) was exceptional as well hitting all 11 of his free throws (11-of-11, 1.000) in a 21-point performance that came with eight rebounds and two assists. Sophomore guard Aziz Parker (Westhampton, N.J.) was the third Griffin in double figures as he paired 15 points with two rebounds, three assists, a block, and two steals. Senior forward Shane Ford (Blue Bell, Pa.) recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, while also totaling six points and two blocks. In addition to O’Connor, Jones, and Ford, the Gwynedd Mercy University also recognized graduate forwards Donaven Spencer (Sicklerville, N.J.) and Justin Collins (Springfield, Pa.) prior to tonight’s tip-off.

Gwynedd Mercy University scored the first six points of the affair, 6-0 (17:31), and led by as many as nine points, 21-12 (8:24), before falling behind Marywood University en route to a 31-30 (0:01) halftime deficit. The second half saw the Pacers lead to a 38-38 (16:43) stalemate, and the Griffins separate by as many as 11 points, 63-52 (7:52), only for a last-second dunk (75-75, 0:02) to force the extra frame. There, Gwynedd Mercy University flexed on the Pacers with a 15-6 run to the 90-81 (0:10) conclusion.

Gwynedd Mercy University awaits the conclusion of the AEC season for seeding in the league’s upcoming championship tournament. Please revisit GwyneddAthletics.com for future schedule updates.