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MCBB

    Referee Bert Smith in Stable Condition After Collapsing During Gonzaga vs. USC

    Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMarch 30, 2021

    Referee Bert Smith is taken off the court on a stretcher after collapsing during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California during the first half of an Elite 8 game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
    Michael Conroy/Associated Press

    Referee Bert Smith was taken off the court on a stretcher after collapsing to the court during the first half of the NCAA men's tournament Elite Eight matchup between USC and Gonzaga on Tuesday.

    Ross Dellenger @RossDellenger

    TBS says official Bert Smith was feeling light-headed while on the court and he's now being tended to trainers in the locker room. His condition is stable.

    As of halftime, Smith did not require hospitalization and was in stable condition:

    Jeff Borzello @jeffborzello

    Update from the NCAA: Bert Smith is alert and stable and will not be transported to a hospital. He has been in contact with his family.

    He was sitting up and was conscious when he was taken off the court.

    Dick Vitale @DickieV

    Glad that ref Bert Smith of @accmbb seems ok / let’s pray that he makes complete recovery .A ref in standby will replace him .🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

    Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein

    The official -- Bert Smith -- is now up and being taken off the floor and back to the locker room. Thank God. https://t.co/TFWDOIU729

    Seth Davis @SethDavisHoops

    Looks like he fainted. Hopefully that's it. Good to see Bert on that gurney and alert.

    Gregg Doyel @GreggDoyelStar

    Sheepish grin on Bert Smith's face as he's rolled out - seated - on stretcher. Crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium applauds as he disappears into tunnel. That includes me. Scary moment. https://t.co/ne8AKYqnhm

    The NCAA will turn to an alternate referee to replace Smith for the duration of Tuesday's matchup.

    Smith officiates ACC games during the regular season.