Seton Hall player suspended 2 games for hitting Villanova player in face

Seton Hall on Tuesday suspended leading scorer Sterling Gibbs for two games for hitting Villanova guard Ryan Arcidiacono in the face with his forearm during Monday night’s 80-54 loss.

Referees assessed Gibbs with a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected the Pirates guard from the game.

“Sterling demonstrated poor sportsmanship last night, and he recognizes that what he did was wrong and that he must be held accountable for his actions,” Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard said in a statement. “This was out of Sterling’s character, and I believe this incident does not define the type of person he is or will become. Sterling will learn and grow from this unfortunate event.”

After the game, Gibbs expressed regret in a series of tweets directed at Arcidiacono.

“Man that’s not who I am,” Gibbs wrote. “I’m sorry to my family, friends, fans, and team for being an embarrassment. Even more sorry to @RyArch15 .. I let my emotions get the best of me and that wasn’t acceptable at all. I hope you’re alright and I will face any consequences coming. Sorry again @RyArch15 it really is weighing heavy on my heart.”

Arcidiacono accepted the apology, tweeting back: “Emotions sometimes get the best of us. heat of the moment thing. We’re all good. @SterlingGibbs4”

Gibbs will miss Saturday’s game against St. John’s and the Feb, 28 contest against Creighton.