In Pics: SJU Hawks center Lizzy Gruber all smiles in matching pajamas with Cooper Flagg’s twin Ace Flagg

On Thursday, SJU Hawks center Lizzy Gruber shared a wholesome photo on her Instagram, alongside her boyfriend Ace Flagg, with Christmas stockings adorning the background.

Christmas is incomplete without eggnog and roast turkey, not to forget the simmering hot chocolate. But nothing makes the holiday more cozy than a set of Christmas pajamas, and the basketball couple stayed true to this tradition.

Lizzy Gruber and Ace Flagg via Instagram

The couple started dating in April 2022 and celebrated their two-year anniversary on Oct. 23 with Lizzy sharing a post that was captioned, "My ace of hearts." In May, they also took a trip to the Universal Studios.

Ace Flagg, the younger brother of Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg, is a three-star prospect from the Class of 2025. He plays for Greensboro Day School and is ranked 15th in North Carolina, according to On3. In 2023, he averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in the Peach Jam tournament.

Taking another step in his basketball career, he committed to Maine University in October, turning down offers from Boston, Florida Gulf Coast and West Virginia, among others.

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Lizzy Gruber excels at Gardiner High

Lizzy Gruber, who hails from Maine, plays center for the St. Joseph's Hawks, with her high school career being highly praised at Gardiner High School. In 2023, she won the title of Miss Maine Basketball and was recognized as both the KVAC Player of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year.

Gruber made history at Maine by becoming the first female player in-state to grab 1000 rebounds before scoring 1000 points. She was also a top-5 finalist for Varsity Maine Athlete of the Year. In her sophomore year, she helped her team win the Covid Cup Central Maine Championship. Gruber was also named Prep Girls Hoops No. 1-ranked Post Player and No. 4-ranked Overall Player in New England.

Last year in September, Lizzy Gruber committed to Saint Joseph's and partnered with the Hawks under coach Cindy Griffin.

In her debut season, Gruber accumulated five points, four blocks, one steal and two assists in 14 games, spending an average of 1.9 minutes on the court per game. She scored her first career point against Bucknell with two points, two blocks and one rebound.

On Dec. 20, Lizzy Gruber shared the Hawks' 69-53 win against the Howard Bison in the opening game of the 29th annual Hawk Classic.