Official collapses during Gonzaga-USC game
INDIANAPOLIS – Official Bert Smith collapsed on the floor early in the Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and Southern California and had to be taken off the court on a stretcher.
Smith had just set up on the baseline as the Trojans were moving onto offense when he collapsed and hit his head on the floor.
He stayed down for about five minutes and then was able to stand up and move to a nearby stretcher. He was alert and sitting up with his arms crossed as he was taken off the court.
In a statement, NCAA spokesman David Worlock said Smith was “alert and stable,” and wouldn't be transported to a hospital. Worlock also said Smith had been in contact with his family.
Worlock's statement didn't specifically state the nature of Smith's “medical issue,” although CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore said on the TBS broadcast that Smith was feeling “lightheaded,” leading to the fall. He said Smith was being treated by trainers in the locker room.
He was replaced by an alternate, Tony Henderson, who had been at the scorer's table.
Gonzaga got on a roll and put on a show, moving to 30-0 on the season and cruising into the Final Four with an 8566 beatdown of previously rolling Southern California.
Drew Timme had 23 points and five rebounds for the Zags.
Baylor 81, Arkansas 72 (Monday): The Bears are headed to the Final Four for the first time in 71 years, getting 22 points from MaCio Teague and a dominating defensive performance from Davion Mitchell to beat the Razorbacks.
The top-seeded Bears (26-2) appeared to be barreling toward ending their Final Four drought with a dominating start.
The Razorbacks (25-7), who know a bit about March comebacks, revved up after some early sputtering, trimming an 18-point lead to four.
Mitchell and Teague stiff-armed them from there.
Houston 67, Oregon State 61 (Monday): The Cougars overcame a blown 17point lead to hold off the Ducks and reach the Final Four for the first time in 37 years.
The second-seeded Cougars (28-3) spent the first half building a big lead behind a dominant defense, but they spent the second half hanging on.