U.S. Trounces Britain 108-67 in World University Basketball

Larry Johnson scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds, leading the United States basketball team to a 108-67 victory over Britain at the World University Games today.

After falling behind 7-2, the U.S. team scored 11 straight points and never trailed again.

The Americans built a 51-29 halftime lead en route to their second preliminary round victory in two games.

Johnson, a power forward from Odessa Junior College who will transfer to Nevada-Las Vegas in the fall, also led the U.S. team with 25 points in its opening 126-93 victory over Brazil on Wednesday.

Syracuse’s Steve Thompson, who had 20 points against Brazil, collected 22 against Britain.

Coach Gene Keady said the team’s pressure defense worked well, “and the team was unselfish.”

“We were able to get a lot of easy baskets,” Keady said.

In other games, the Soviet Union, expected to be the Americans’ opponent in the final, escaped with its second close victory. After beating Mexico 88-80 Wednesday, the Soviets rallied to beat Canada 74-70.

The Soviets trailed 44-38 at halftime but rallied behind Arounas Visotskas, who scored a game-high 24 points.

Yugoslavia, also considered a strong contender, had to overcome a 50-48 halftime deficit to edge China 105-101.