An NCAA college basketball referee collapsed on the court during the Gonzaga vs. USC game on Tuesday -- but he was conscious and alert as he was taken to the locker room.
Just 4 minutes after tipoff, Bert Smith crashed to the floor in a terrifying scene -- triggering medical personnel to race to his aid.
Smith was on the baseline near 'Zaga's bench ... when he fell backwards and seemingly slammed his head onto the hardwood without breaking his fall.
Several members of the Gonzaga bench immediately ran over to assist -- as well as the other officials and both teams' athletic trainers.