Referee alert after collapsing on the sideline during Gonzaga-USC Elite Eight match

INDIANAPOLIS – A referee collapsed early in the first half of Tuesday’s Elite Eight match between Gonzaga and USC.

Official Bert Smith was alert when he was placed on a stretcher and left the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. The TBS broadcast said Smith said he felt dizzy and was being groomed in the locker room.

Smith was standing on the backline in front of the Gonzaga bench as the Trojans attacked when he collapsed and hit his head on the ground.

Medical professionals surrounded Smith on the pitch as players, coaches and staff walked to their respective benches. The Bulldogs were instructed to look away while Smith was on the ground.

Smith remained on the ground for about five minutes before getting up and moving to a nearby stretcher. Play resumed with a replacement referee.