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Seton Hall Pirates: Sterling Gibbs suspended for a hammer fist

By Daniel Tran

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In case you missed it, the Seton Hall Pirates levied punishment on guard Sterling Gibbs, who pounded Villanova guard Ryan Arcidiacono while they were fighting for the ball.

There are certain ways during a blowout to let the opposition know that you will not go down without a fight.  Seton Hall guard Sterling Gibbs did not get the memo that punching people in the face was not one of those things.

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In last night’s game against the Villanova Wildcats, the Seton Hall Pirates were down big in the second half when Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono dove on the floor for a loose ball with Pirates center Chier Ajou fighting him for the ball.  Gibbs, frustrated by the blowout, swung down with his fist, which connected with Arcidiacono’s face.

Gibbs was immediately ejected from the game and the Wildcats went on to win 80-54.  Immediately after the game, Gibbs went to Twitter with apologetic intentions.

Arcidiacono subsequently responded to Gibbs and accepted his apology.

However, the damage was already done.  Seton Hall moved quickly to hand down punishment and suspended Gibbs for two games before the NCAA could even blink.  Though they are 5-9 during conference play, the Pirates will still miss Gibbs, who is their leading scorer this season, averaging 17.6 points per game during the conference schedule.

In terms of making up for that production at the guard position, Seton Hall’s second leading scorer at 13.3 points in Big East play, Isaiah Whitehead, will have to step up his production and carry the team in Gibbs’ absence.  Also, look for three-star freshman Khadeen Carrington, who has been averaging 8.3 points off the bench to step into the starting role and help the Pirates in the next two games.

From all appearances, Gibbs just made a mistake in the heat of the moment and will learn to keep his emotions in check in the future.  His immediate apology speaks volumes of his character and being accountable for the mistakes he makes.  This will only be a bump in the road for Gibbs

Next: Matt Painter essential for Purdue's future

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