THROUGH the years, Cliff Hodge has developed a reputation for always giving everything on the floor for Meralco, literally and figuratively, as the team’s immovable anchor and tireless motor.
While his contributions may not be reflected on the stats sheet at times, the bruising forward has provided an unparalleled impact for the Bolts.
In the do-or-die Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals, Hodge was at it again as Meralco finally got over the hump against Barangay Ginebra.
Hodge dropped 13 points, 18 rebounds, and two assists, including the crucial offensive foul he drew on reigning MVP Scottie Thompson in the stretch that enabled the Bolts to hang on for a dramatic 106-104 victory and barge into the best-of-seven semifinals series against San Miguel Beer.
The numbers and huge role the 6-foot-4 forward played in the highly-emotional series earned him the Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for July 27-31.
In a two-game span, the 10-year veteran averaged a double-double of 19.0 points and 10.0 rebounds, laced with 3.5 assists, to serve as the Bolts’ unheralded spark plug in the team’s first playoffs series win over their archrivals.
Until the breakthrough win, Meralco had a 0-5 record against Ginebra in the playoffs, including 0-4 in the finals.
Though the Bolts dropped a close 94-87 loss in Game 2, Hodge also left an imprint in the match behind a conference-high 25 points, two boards, five assists, and two steals.
“I’m just so proud of everybody in our team. We stuck together,” said acting coach Luigi Trillo in lieu of Norman Black.
Hodge’s teammates in Chris Newsome, Raymond Almazan, Allein Maliksi, and Alvin Pasaol were also nominated for the weekly citation being handed out by the men and women regularly covering the PBA beat.
