A scary moment happened in Tuesday’s Elite Eight matchup between Gonzaga and USC when an official collapsed during the game.
Bert Smith, a veteran NCAA referee, collapsed in front of the Gonzaga bench less than five minutes into the game.
Trainers and medical personnel went to tend to Smith, who was breathing as he was being evaluated, per CBS Sports reporter Matt Norlander, who was able to view the situation from press row.
Smith was placed on a stretcher but was sitting upright and appeared to be alert as he was wheeled out of the arena.
The CBS broadcast provided an update on Smith later in the game and said that he had been feeling lightheaded during the game. He was in stable condition and being attended to by trainers.
At halftime, it was reported that Smith was "alert and stable" and would not need to be transported to the hospital.
An alternate ref was on-site to replace Smith for the remainder of the game.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram