GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team fell to Gwynedd Mercy University 84-70 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Championship game on Saturday afternoon.
 
James Butler netted 23 points for the Knights while blocking four shots. DeShawn Lowman added 14 points. Darian Barnes had 13 points, 12 boards, five steals and three blocks.
 
The Griffins came out on fire and took a 17-6 lead after the first five minutes. With Gwynedd Mercy leading 19-8, Neumann went on a 13-2 run, capped by a dunk by Butler, to tie the game at 21. With 4:08 left in the first half, and the teams knotted at 27, the Griffins ended the half with a 13-3 run to take a 40-30 lead into halftime.
 
The Knights opened the second half with all cylinders clicking and scored 17 of the first 20 points to take a 47-43 lead. A three-pointer by Denzel Yard gave Neumann a six point advantage, 51-45. Gwynedd Mercy answered with a 10-4 run to tie the game at 55.
 
The teams traded baskets and were tied for the ninth time, 61-61, with 6:39 left in regulation. Two three-point lays and a layup put the Griffins up 69-61 with just under five minutes remaining. That was the run that proved to be the difference as the Knights were not able to get back within striking distance. Gwynedd Mercy went 12-for-14 from the free throw line over the final three minutes to seal the win and the Championship.
 
Neumann (19-8) will now wait for the postseason announcements on Monday to see if its season will continue.