AMES − Fans at Hilton Coliseum witnessed a scary incident Monday involving referee Ray Natili.
With 8:21 remaining in the second half and Iowa State men’s basketball leading IU-Indianapolis, 69-41, Cyclones freshman Nojus Indrusaitis fouled IU-Indianapolis guard Nathan Dudukovich away from the ball.
During the play, Dudukovich inadvertently collided with Natili, whose focus was on the ball-handler, and the referee fell hard onto the court and hit the back of his head.
He appeared to be unconscious for a couple of minutes but was able to get back on his feet while play was stopped, and he was assisted off the floor.
Natili, a Final Four referee who is considered one of the top officials in the Big 12, did not return to Monday’s game. Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said after the game that Natili had a headache but otherwise was OK.
The Cyclones won the non-conference game 87-52.
