ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's basketball team defeated Gwynedd Mercy University 80-63 on Wednesday evening in an Atlantic East Conference matchup.
 
Nafisa Saunders led three Knights in double-digits with 27 points. Maia Bryson tallied 19 points, including four baskets from downtown. Mariah Maciejewski notched a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds. 
 
The teams battled in the first quarter and the Griffins held a slim 17-15 lead after 10 minutes. In the second quarter, the Knights built a lead as many as six, 34-28, with 1:32 left before halftime. Gwynedd Mercy ended the run on a 6-1 run and Neumann held a 35-34 lead at the break.
 
The Knights held the lead throughout the third quarter, but the Griffins remained within five points for most of the quarter. Neumann netted the final five points of the third to extend its lead to eight, 56-48, heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
With a 64-59 Neumann lead midway through the fourth quarter, the Knights went on a 10-2 run to take a double-digit lead, 74-61. Neumann continued to extend its lead over the final minutes to come away with the conference win.
 
Neumann (9-6, 2-1 Atlantic East) will head to Marywood University next Wednesday for a conference doubleheader with the men. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 PM.