With just more than five minutes left in the first half of Saturday’s Final Four game, Gonzaga Bulldogs center Przemek Karnowski went to the ground with an eye injury.
Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski leaves Final Four game after being poked in the eye
Karnowski missed the final 5 minutes of the first half but returned to the game to start the second half.
Karnowski looked to be in serious pain for a few moments on the court, then was rubbing his eyes on Gonzaga’s bench. CBS’ Tracy Wolfson reported Karnowski was dealing with an injury to his right eye and couldn’t focus it. He walked to the locker room shortly thereafter. Jim Nantz reported Karnowski was likely to return, and that he did, with the center returning to start the second half for Gonzaga.
The play that caused it: a block by South Carolina’s Chris Silva, who swatted a Karnowski shot attempt but then hit his face during his follow-through. Karnowski crumpled to the hardwood immediately. There was no foul called on the play.
Karnowski, a senior, is a critical player for the Bulldogs. If he’s not fully healthy, the Zags can’t be at their best. But they do have good depth behind him, primarily in the form of talented 7-foot freshman Zach Collins, who’s having a great game.
At any rate, here’s to a speedy recovery for Karnowski. This Final Four will be a good deal more fun if he’s playing in it at full strength.
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