EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Tomás Satoransky was red hot for the Czech Republic with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists

There is still a lot of work to do for the Czech Republic before they can celebrate gaining a spot in next year's EuroBasket.

But Monday night's 82-64 victory over Turkey, the country that finished runners-up at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, was a giant step towards the Final Round in Slovenia.

The success improved the Czech Republic to 3-1 in Group F and dropped Turkey to 2-2.

Two players making a major impact for the Czechs this summer are Tomás Satoransky and Petr Benda.

The former, a 20-year-old point guard, was mesmerizing.

He had 16 points, five assists, six rebounds and a steal.

Benda, a 30-year-old center, poured in 14 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out five assists and blocked a shot.

One of the most important stretches of the game occurred late in the second quarter and early in the third when the Czechs went on a 9-0 run to go on top, 40-30.

Turkey twice closed the gap to five in the third quarter but the hosts pulled away.

Young point guard Jakub Kudlácek hit a jumper on the fast break to start the important run at the end of the first half and Pavel Pumprla capped it by making one of two free-throws.

After Turkey closed the gap to five, Benda, Jiri Welsch and Pumprla all scored in a six-point run to put the Czechs in front by 11.

They ended up going in front by 19 before walking off the court with a memorable 18-point success.

Welsch and Kudlácek also contributed 14 points for the Czechs, who out-rebounded Turkey 42-30.