Storm rips Georgia Dome

SEC considering rare doubleheader

? A severe storm ripped away two panels in the side of the Georgia Dome during the Southeastern Conference tournament, sending debris tumbling from the ceiling, halting the Alabama-Mississippi State game and prompting fans to flee for the exits.

The teams were sent to the locker rooms, while those who remained at their seats looked anxiously toward the roof. The game was stopped with Mississippi State leading 64-61 with 2:11 left in overtime.

It wasn’t immediately known if a tornado struck the 16-year-old building, though a roaring noise was heard inside as the severe storm moved through downtown Atlanta.

The teams finally returned to the court after a delay of about 50 minutes. The players were given a 10-minute warmup period and play resumed after a delay of 1 hour, 5 minutes. Mississippi State won, 69-67.

The Georgia-Kentucky game was postponed. SEC officials were considering a scenario that would make up the quarterfinal this morning, with the winner returning later in the day to play in the semifinals.