Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Pitt guard Yuri Demetris earlier this month in a game against Bucknell. Click photo for larger image. More Pitt Coverage: McCarroll in Panthers' plan again

Pitt basketball player Yuri Demetris was arrested early yesterday morning after an altercation at a woman's apartment in Oakland.

Demetris was arraigned and charged with two counts of burglary and one count of simple assault. He will have his preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday at Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Demetris, a senior guard who has started all 14 games for the nationally ranked Panthers (12-2), was suspended indefinitely from the team.

Demetris twice entered the apartment of Rebecca Emmers, 21, without her permission. Emmers described Demetris as an ex-boyfriend, according to a University of Pittsburgh police report.

Demetris forced his way through Emmers' bedroom window at midnight. The alleged victim heard noises in the bedroom and found Demetris there, at which time she told him to "get out."

Demetris, a 23-year-old graduate of Shaler Area High School, became argumentative with her. She said she would call police if he didn't leave, at which time he pushed her and left the apartment. He returned at 1:45 a.m., entering again through the bedroom window. He was physically and verbally abusive toward her and struck her in the chin with a closed fist and left the scene again.

According to the police report, the victim had redness on her chin. She did not have to go to the hospital and declined a protection-from-abuse order. She was asked if she wanted to prosecute Demetris three times and responded "yes." Campus police arrested Demetris at the Bouquet Gardens apartment building on Oakland Avenue.

Pitt coach Jamie Dixon released a statement last night through the school's athletic department: "Effective immediately, Yuri Demetris is suspended from the team and will not play or participate in any team-related activity. Discipline and proper behavior must remain the foundation of our program. Even though he is not formally with the team at this time, we will ensure that he receives the appropriate support from the university and the athletic department."

Dixon said in a short phone interview last night that discipline is a very significant part of his program, but declined further comment on Demetris' situation.

Demetris and Emmers could not be reached for comment.

Demetris, who is 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 220 pounds, is in his first season as a starter. He is averaging 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Saturday afternoon, he played in a game at the Petersen Events Center against Seton Hall. He did not score, but pulled down seven rebounds in 21 minutes.

Demetris finished his high school career ranked eighth on the WPIAL all-time scoring list with 2,221 points. He was named to the Post-Gazette's Fabulous Five in 2000.

Pitt will travel to New York this afternoon for tomorrow's game against St. John's at Madison Square Garden.