South Carolina State player conscious and stable after collapsing on the bench
As NC State guard Markell Johnson received medical attention for a right knee injury, something much scarier happened on the opposite bench.
South Carolina State guard Ty Solomon collapsed on the bench with 13:08 remaining in Saturday’s first half, sending medical personnel scrambling to perform CPR to revive him.
South Carolina State coaches and players are crying on the sidelines. EMT crew waiting for player to respond. Player's mother also screaming, "Oh my God don't die!" Terrifying scene here at PNC Arena.
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) December 2, 2017
Solomon was conscious and stabilized by the time he was wheeled off the court on a stretcher while fans in the stands and players on both teams applauded. South Carolina State coach Murray Garvin accompanied Solomon to a local hospital, where he will receive further observation.
South Carolina State coach Murray Garvin, at the hospital with Ty Solomon, texted ESPN: “Ty is awake and responding. He says to thank everyone for all the prayers.” Garvin also said that Solomon's heart stopped and he was resuscitated by South Carolina State's athletic trainer.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) December 2, 2017
Solomon started Saturday’s game and played the opening 3 minutes, 58 seconds before being subbed out. The 5-foot-10 junior remained on the bench until he collapsed, leaving the arena silent except for the cries and prayers of people huddled around him.
Some South Carolina State players formed a semicircle around the bench, their arms around one another. Others tearfully hugged family members in the stands. NC State coach Kevin Keatts did his best to console a visibly shaken Garvin before both teams left the floor.
The game was delayed for approximately 40 minutes with NC State leading South Carolina State 22-5. South Carolina State players and coaches voted to resume the game after a 10-minute warmup period for both teams.
The NC State crowd gave South Carolina State players and coaches a standing ovation as they emerged from the tunnel to resume the first half. The Bulldogs actually outscored the Wolfpack the rest of the first half and trailed 48-33 at halftime.
