EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

David Jelinek was red-hot from outside, nailing five of his seven three-point attempts

The Czech Republic bounced back from their weekend setback to Italy with a 90-71 rout of Portugal.

David Jelinek hit five of seven shots from long range en route to a game-high 25 points for the winners, who made 12 of 22 as a team.

The victory has strengthened the Czechs' bid to clinch second place in EuroBasket Qualification Round Group F and gain a spot in next year's EuroBasket.

Pavel Budinsky's side is now 5-2 with a game at Turkey (3-3) next week.

Since they claimed an 18-point triumph in the first meeting with the Turks, the Czechs are in excellent shape to capture second spot behind Italy.

The Czechs fell behind 24-21 at the end of the opening quarter against Portugal but then turned on the style in the second when they outscored their opponents 32-12 for a 53-36 advantage at the intermission.

The Portuguese managed to close the gap to eight late in the third quarter.

Jakub Kudlácek hit a three-pointer for the Czechs to stop the Portugal comeback cold in its tracks.

Veteran forward Joao Santos had 19 points for Portuguese, who have lost all of their games in the Qualification Round.