Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, left, talks with official Ed Hightower during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Florida, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, in East Lansing, Mich. Hightower was working his final game at Michigan State. Michigan State won 78-48. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
As he recalled the funniest moment — well, it's funny now — that came during his 36-year career as a respected college basketball official, Ed Hightower remained thankful Norm Stewart wasn't there when No. 5 Oklahoma hosted No. 3 Missouri on Feb. 9, 1989.
Stewart, known for his fire, had been hospitalized due to a bleeding ulcer before the game.