The Pioneers (5-3), who came in as the NEC's top free-throw shooting team at 74.8 percent, made 20 of 29 foul shots (69 percent) while Quinnipiac hit only 9 of 20.

Sacred Heart led 34-24 at halftime, then maintained a cushion of at least four points. After the Bobcats (2-4) got to 36-32 with 16:42 remaining, Gibson scored on a layup and Nick Greenbacker hit a 3-pointer.

Quinnipiac shot only 31.3 percent from the field (21 of 67), compared to 42 percent (21 of 50) for the Pioneers.

Chris Evans and Femi Akinpetide added 11 points apiece for Sacred Heart.

Ike Azotam led the Bobcats with 18 points and 16 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season.