NC State’s Terquavion Smith injured, carried off Smith Center court on stretcher

N.C. State guard Terquavion Smith, injured on a second-half drive to the basket against North Carolina, had to be stretchered off the Smith Center court in Saturday’s ACC game.

Smith, the Wolfpack’s leading scorer, fell hard with 9:45 left in the second half after being fouled by UNC’s Leaky Black. He tried to brace himself for the fall with his right arm.

Smith was quickly given medical attention as NCSU coach Kevin Keatts tried to offer his player some comfort.

After several minutes, Smith was taken off the court on a stretcher as the Smith Center fell quiet.

Keatts did not have an update on Smith’s condition after the game, but said he had been taken to UNC Medical Center.

“Obviously, the game is very important and I thought our guys fought, but my prayers and my thoughts always go to my players,” Keatts said.

Black was called for a Flagrant-2 foul on the play, which resulted in his ejection from the game, which the Tar Heels won 80-69.

“My hope and my prayers is that (Smith) is not hurt,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “He’s an unbelievable kid and player. You never want to see anyone hurt and injured. He’s a fantastic player.”

Davis said Black had asked for Smith’s phone number and planned to call him and check on him.

Smith could have entered the NBA Draft after last season but decided to return for his sophomore season. He went into Saturday’s game leading the ACC in scoring.

“We’re praying for him. He’s our brother and we’re praying for him,” Wolfpack guard Jarkel Joiner said.