U.S. Basketball Team Wins in University Games

Larry Johnson scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the U.S. basketball team beat England, 108-67, Thursday at the World University Games and advanced to the quarterfinals.

The victory gave the Americans a 2-0 record in the preliminary round of the 16-team tournament. The United States will face Poland today to complete the round.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward from the Odessa Junior College who is transferring to Nevada Las Vegas in the fall, also led the U.S. team with 25 points in its opening 126-93 victory over Brazil Wednesday.

Steven Thompson, who had 20 points in a win over Brazil, scored 22 against Britain.

In other games, the Soviet Union, considered the likely rival for the U.S. team in the gold medal game, won a second close game. After beating Mexico, 88-80, Wednesday, the Soviets edged Canada, 74-70.

Yugoslavia (2-0), defending champion and another medal contender, overcome a 50-48 halftime deficit and defeated China, 105-101.

The Soviet Union and Yugoslavia also have qualified for the next round.