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Referee Bert Smith collapses during Gonzaga-USC game
Referee Bert Smith is helped off the court after collapsing during the game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the USC Trojans in the Elite Eight of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Referee Bert Smith collapses during Gonzaga-USC game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports  |  By Larry Brown  |  Last updated 3/30/21

Referee Bert Smith collapsed on the court just a few minutes into Tuesday’s Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and USC.

Just over four minutes into the game, USC was bringing the ball down the court as the Trojans were losing 11-4. One of the officials blew his whistle to stop play after seeing his partner down on the ground.

Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd spotted Smith on the ground and immediately went over to check on him. A stretcher came out to load Smith, who was taken away while receiving attention.

Smith later woke up and was sitting up after being taken away on the stretcher at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

A video shows that Smith showed signs of issues on the possession before his collapse.

William Henderson, an alternate official, replaced Smith in the game.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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