Subscribe now
Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski suffers right eye injury in Final Four game

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski rests on the court after getting injured during the first half against South Carolina in the semifinals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski rests on the court after getting injured during the first half against South Carolina in the semifinals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski has been forced to leave the Bulldogs’ Final Four matchup against South Carolina with a right eye injury.

With about five minutes remaining in the first half, Karnowski attempted a layup that was rejected by South Carolina’s Chris Silva. After connecting with the ball, Silva raked his hand across Karnowski’s face and caught the 7-foot senior in the eye.

Karnowski went down in a heap and stay down. USC pushed the ball up the court and nailed an open 3 before the refs stopped play for the injury.

The trainers examined the big man on the bench, but after Karnowski complained he was unable to focus with his right eye, he was taken to the locker room.

After seeinig an eye specialist during the halftime break, Karnowski is expected to return for the second half.

Karnowski had six points and four rebounds when he was injured.

Gonzaga leads 45-36 at the half.

UPDATE: Karnowski has returned to the floor for the second half.