Cliff Hodge tries to escape a triple-team in Sinag Pilipinas' game in the 23rd SEA Games held in Indonesia. Yudhi Mahatma/Antara Foto
MANILA, Philippines – He roughly stands at six-foot-five and has a lanky frame that’s not built to bang in the inside.
But don’t be fooled by Cliff Hodge’s thin built as his athleticism and length make him a force to reckon with down low.
Hodge proved just that as he had his way in NLEX’ sweep of Freego Jeans in the PBA D-League Finals for the Road Warriors’ second straight title.
Parading his wares, Hodge contributed mightily as he averaged 11.5 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks a game in the championship series earning him the Inquirer Sports’ performer of the week.
A win away from a back-to-back crown, NLEX drew an impressive performance from Hodge, who flirted with a triple-double of 15 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.
Half of his total blocks came in one play as Hodge put on a defensive clinic.
“It just showed how determined these guys are to win this ball game and this championship,” said NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez.
The 23-year-old forward was part of the Sinag Pilipinas men’s basketball team that bagged the gold medal in the 23rd SEA Games in Indonesia.