INDIANAPOLIS — Veteran basketball referee Bert Smith collapsed during Tuesday night’s Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and the University of Southern California.
Smith was awake and stable and was in contact with his family, the Indianapolis Star reported.
The game was stopped with 15:44 remaining in the first half after Smith toppled onto his back near the baseline, the newspaper reported. He was not involved in a play and had not made contact with a player, the Star reported.
Bert Smith, veteran NCAA official, just collapsed on the court. He's now on his feet. pic.twitter.com/BOhBvJT01U
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 30, 2021
The NCAA said Smith left the game with a medical issue. On the TBS broadcast from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, rules analyst Gene Steratore said Smith was feeling lightheaded and was being tended to in the locker room, ESPN reported.
Smith stayed on the floor for about five minutes before standing up and moving to a nearby stretcher, the sports network reported.
Smith was rolled away from the court on the stretcher, the Star reported. He was awake and talking with medical personnel, the newspaper reported. The game resumed with standby referee Tony Henderson replacing Smith, ESPN reported.
Gonzaga won 85-66 to advance to the Final Four.
Cox Media Group
