SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Cliff Hodge has undeniably been one of Meralco’s leaders for a long time now, so he made it a point to command example when Meralco’s season was on the line, Wednesday.
Showing the grit that’s long been his bread and butter, the 32-year-old had 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. And he helped the Bolts take down Ginebra, 83-80, to force their 2020 PBA Philippine Cup semis to the limit.
This is the second time that Hodge has come up big in a do-or-die situation. In their ouster of erstwhile five-time champs San Miguel in the quarterfinals, he produced 14 markers, with six boards and three dimes as well.
“He’s always on the floor for me because he gives us a lot,” said head coach Norman Black.
“Defensively, he’s our best defender. He rebounds the basketball. He’s shooting a high percentage from the floor.”
Hodge’s play in this series has improved since scoring just four points in Game One. In the last three outings including Wednesday, he had averages of 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
“He’s shooting a high percentage for us around the basket, and he becomes a threat when he can make those layups,” said Black.
Hodge has shot 70.8-percent — mostly from close range — in the last three games.
“Most of the teams don’t want to really guard him. They use him as a way to help on defense, but he’s been making them pay.”
And sure, he provides plenty for the Orangemen on both ends of the floor. Still, for the Grand Slam-winning mentor, it is the heart he shows at every given moment that spells the difference for his squad.
“But more importantly he gives us that hustle, that heart that we really need within the team,” he said.
And for Black, these solid performances from the 12-year league veteran are mainly because of him being healthy this season.
“This is probably the first conference in a long, long while that he’s been healthy throughout,” he said.
“He hasn’t had any injuries — knock on wood — this conference and it shows on the court.”
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