VEN - Venezuelans triumph in all-star game

CARACAS (Liga Profesional) - Team Venezuela took the honours in the Liga Profesional's All-Star Game with a 150-143 defeat of Team Foreigners in Caracas on Saturday.

The Venezuelans, managed by national team coach Nestor Salazar, surpassed the 148 points they racked up in Maracaibo last year to set a new points record and claim their fifth win in the past seven All-Star contests.

Victor David Diaz top-scored with 27 points and netted seven three-pointers to come away with the MVP award and in the process become the first ever player to receive four MVP awards in the Liga Profesional's All-Star Game, having won it in 1997, 2004 and 2006.

"I achieved this thanks to my team-mates," the Cocodrilos forward said. "As I did not have the pressure of a league game, I netted almost all the balls. I hope I can repeat it in the rest of the season."

Axiers Sucre also contributed 18 points for the Venezuelans, while Jermaine Walker top-scored for their opponents with 25 points, closely followed by Chris Jeffries with 21 and Tang Hamilton with 19.

The Liga Profesional resumes on Tuesday, with reigning champions Trotamundos leading the way with 18 wins from their 30 games.

Cocodrilos are second with 16 victories and two postponed fixtures against Gatos still to be played this week, while Marinos are one place further back.

FIBA