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Nothing could stop the Chinese to win the first men's basketball gold medal in the world level competition so far in the Universiade when they overpowered Canada 79-73 on Monday to secure the top place for a place in the semi- finals.
Winners of the four groups of the top-16 finals will advance directly to the semi-finals.
China, whose best record in the Universiade was the third place in 1993, is on its way for a semi-final clash with the United States could it beat the winless Ukraine, who lost to the Czech Republic, 73-69, in Tuesday's final game of the round.
The United States won their second game in the second round, beating Britain 91-62 in Group J, and will face South Korea, who lost to Brazil 96-94.
Yugoslavia had a breath-taking win over Lithuania, 93-92, in Group J. The Yugoslavs built up a 26-19 lead in the first quarter and hung onto the slim lead though the Lithuanians fought back bravely in the third and fourth quarters.
Greece, who lost to Lithuania on Sunday, thrashed Japan 94-74 in the group's other game.
Germany almost booked a semi-final berth with a 76-68 win over Sweden, while Russia disposed off Turkey 79-74 in Group L.
(People's Daily 08/28/2001)
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