News Release

ST. DAVIDS, Pa. — The two-time defending PAC Champion Gwynedd Mercy College Griffins came back from a six point halftime deficit to advance to the second round of the Conference Playoffs with a 78-74 win at Eastern.

The Griffins jumped to an early 17-9 lead in a game that was played almost entirely in the half court. The Eagles chipped at the lead, and worked to get the game in the open court, but the patience of the Gwynedd offense and the steady ball handling of their guard corps kept the game at a walking pace. Two consecutive three point baskets and a three point play from senior guard Chris McMonagle vaulted the Eagles into a 24-23 lead with seven minutes remaining in the half.

Eastern held that lead into the half and built a five point advantage behind eleven points from Bobby Black and eight from Copeland. Kevin Lauer put up nine first half points and his three offensive rebounds helped the Griffins to earn 12 second chance points on the half.

The second half saw the Eagles hold their lead until the final two minutes of the contest, but hot three point shooting from the Griffins helped the visitors to close the gap.

With the Eagles up one, McMonagle stepped of his man to block Lauer’s lay up attempt. The play looked to be a big momentum turning moment, but an Eagle turnover at the other end gave the Griffins another chance with just over a minute and a half to play. Chris DelBrocco, smothered all day, turned playmaker to set up two critical field goals that swung the game. First he found Lauer underneath to give the Griffins a 70-69 lead. Then after Lenny DiMaria scored on a put back of his own miss down at the other end, the junior guard found senior reserve Rick Haas in the corner for an open three.

Down two with a 43 seconds remaining, An Eagle turnover at the other end gave the Griffins the ball and a two point advantage with no shot clock in play. Gwynedd-Mercy made their free-throws, and despite another DiMaria three-pointer, Eastern could not get the game back to a one possession affair

Black led all scorers with 18. DiMaria and McMonagle chipped in with 15 and 12 for the hosts. Lauer led the guests with 17 points and Haas hit for 16 including 13 points in the second half. DelBrocco, who was held below his average for the day still made a contribution with 10 points and five assists.

The Griffins advance to either Alvernia or Wesley on Wednesday night. This afternoon marks the last time Chris McMonagle, Corey Copeland, and Bryan Nadelhoffer will wear Eastern’s Maroon and White. Their efforts have been integral in moving the Eastern program forward.