Jiri Welsch played a key role as Czech Republic continued their preparations for EuroBasket 2007 with an 85-76 win over Latvia in their final game of a four- nation friendly tournament in Italy.

The Malaga guard netted 28 points as the Czechs finished the Cagliari tournament in second place behind Italy.

Zdenek Hummel's team, who led from start to finish, also beat Poland earlier in the competition but lost to the hosts.

Center Petr Benda (18 points) and Ladislav Sokolovsky (10 points) also contributed to give their side a big confidence boost ahead of the European Championship in Spain.

Czech Republic have been drawn in Group C for the September 3-16 event, alongside Lithuania, Germany and Turkey.

Latvia have also qualified for the competition and will feature in Group B together with the hosts, Portugal and Croatia.