After rocky start, Meralco determined to make some noise in PBA playoffs

ANTIPOLO—Meralco, the runner-up for the past two years, is slowly putting its ugly start in the PBA Governors’ Cup behind.

The Bolts started out the conference on a six-game losing streak, but have since shown signs of life and chalked up two straight wins with the last one coming against league-leader Magnolia, 94-88.

Forward Cliff Hodge said they’re trying to build on whatever momentum they’re in to keep the fight going.

“For sure it has been a tough conference for us,” said Hodge Friday at Ynares Center here. “This time around, we’re putting the pieces together, we’re going out there and just trying to fight.”

“Every game we’re just trying to make the playoffs, it’s good to beat one of the top teams right now.”

Hodge was integral in the Bolts’ stand in the fourth quarter as he scored four points in the 6-0 run that gave Meralcon and 85-81 lead with 2:38 remaining.

That quick scoring spurt was enough for Meralco to put away Hotshots, who dropped to a 7-2 record.

“We’re just trying to make the playoffs, that’s the goal,” said Hodge who finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. “We know we had a rocky start but we’ve been on a streak and we want to make noise in the playoffs.”

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