Bryant's Earl Timberlake Bloodied After Hit to Head, Returns vs. MSU in March Madness

Bryant guard Earl Timberlake was bleeding after getting hit in the head during the team's first-round clash with Michigan State in the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Friday night.

Timberlake was hit as he attempted to grab a rebound with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half. The senior briefly left the game but ended up returning.

The play was ruled a common foul following a review, with CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore agreeing with the call.

"The ball is loose and there's a lot of arms flailing," Steratore explained.

Bryant trailed Michigan State 33-28 at the half.

Timberlake has served as a key contributor for a Bulldogs team that enters March Madness with a 23-11 record, winning the America East tournament.

In 32 starts prior to Friday's contest, Timberlake averaged 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds to go along with 4.7 assists per game on 50.3/36.0/71.9 shooting splits.

His defensive effort also provided a boost to Bryant throughout the year, recording 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steals on a nightly basis.

Timberlake particularly thrived during the Bulldogs' run to the America East title, averaging 18.7 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 61.9 percent from the field in three conference tournament appearances.

Bryant was able to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament due to its impressive offense and proficiency on the glass, ranking No. 4 in the country by averaging 41.2 rebounds per game as a team.

Timberlake was bloodied following a hard foul on Friday, but it didn't prevent him from attempting to help the Bulldogs earn their first March Madness win.