Cheerleader smashed in the face by basketball

Am American university cheerleader was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time when she was struck in the face by a stray basketball during a NCAA Tournament game.

The Iowa State cheerleader was sitting on the baseline with her troop when a rival Virginia player tried to send the ball out to the wing with a strong pass late in the second half.

Acting on instinct, an Iowa player stuck out his leg and deflected the ball onto a collision course with the young girl.

Catching the ball flush on her face, the cheerleader laid on the court before an assistant led her away for examination, tears streaming down her face.

But showing courage and commitment to her team, the cheerleader returned to her position on the court to help try and spur Iowa on to a spot in the "Elite Eight".

However, Virginia proved too strong and ran away with a 84-71 win.