GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. - The Marymount University men's basketball team dropped a 78-61 decision to Gwynedd Mercy University on Saturday afternoon, moving it to 2-2 in Atlantic East Conference play.

The Saints got going early, offensively, scoring nine-consecutive points to open the game. Defensively, MU forced the Griffins into four turnovers in the first three minutes and didn't allow a bucket until the 16-minute mark of the first half. In the opening stretch for the Saints, junior Steve Etienne started the scoring off the tipoff with a layup, was followed by sophomore Xavier Reaves with a three-pointer, and capped it off with back-to-back jumpers by senior Taiga Walker.

The Griffins battled back and sparked nine lead changes before taking a one-point advantage into the locker room, 29-28. At the break, Reaves led all scorers with nine points, while the Saints shot over 40 percent from the floor. 

In the second half, Gwynedd Mercy never lost the lead, although MU stayed within striking distance for much of the second half. During the final six minutes, the Griffins slowly worked up to a double-digit advantage that held off the Saints the rest of the way. 

Etienne led all MU scorers with his second 20-plus point game of the season, dropping in 20 points on nine field goals. He was joined in double figures by senior LaDarius McCord with 16 points off the bench and 13 points by Reaves. Etienne made it a double-double performance with a team-high 11 rebounds. 

The Saints will look to rally back at home on Wednesday, January 22, hosting Immaculata University another league tilt. Start time is set for 8 p.m., in the Converse Family Fieldhouse.