Video: NMSU's Robert Carpenter Ejected for Punching Liberty's Shiloh Robinson in Face

New Mexico State forward Robert Carpenter was ejected Thursday night for punching Liberty forward Shiloh Robinson in the face during NMSU's 79-73 overtime win.

The incident occurred with just under 12 minutes remaining in the first half, as Carpenter struck Robinson in the face when they were heading up the court after a change of possession:

Carpenter was assessed a flagrant foul 2 for the punch and was immediately ejected from the contest, per ESPN.

Prior to Carpenter punching Robinson, they were jockeying for position under the hoop, and that physicality boiled over into an illegal play by Carpenter.

After the game, NMSU head coach Jason Hooten said he was surprised by Carpenter's actions, noting that he is "a really good kid."

However, Hooten condemned the punch, calling it "not acceptable" before saying: "That's not the way that we're going to do things here at New Mexico State University."

Carpenter is a junior who is in the midst of his first season with the Aggies after previously playing at St. Bonaventure and Mississippi Valley State.

In 22 games this season, including 16 starts, Carpenter is averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds, while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Hooten said he anticipates Conference USA handing down a suspension, but even if that doesn't happen, Carpenter won't play in the Aggies' next game, as Hooten said, "My rule is he won't play on Saturday."

New Mexico State, which sits at 10-12 overall and is third in Conference USA with a 4-3 record, is scheduled to host Jacksonville State in its next game on Saturday night.