Cliff Hodge. PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO CITY—Cliff Hodge shook off a scary scene during a crucial moment in Meralco’s hard-fought Game 2 win over TNT on Sunday and earned himself a nickname from coach Norman Black right off the shoot.
“He’s a bionic man,” Black said after Hodge played a pivotal role after the back of his head hit the floor in the final seconds of regulation to give the Bolts a 124-117 overtime victory over the TNT Tropang Giga that tied their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series at 1-1.
Hodge scored the first four points of the extra session, then concentrated on the defensive end, particularly guarding TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, as Meralco emerged victorious after being dealt with a 110-80 loss in the opener.
Last season’s member of the All-Defensive Team, known for his gung-ho style and his knack for being Meralco’s blue collar guy, finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
His playing style has not changed ever since being drafted by the Meralco franchise in 2012, and even Hodge himself is surprised that he’s been able to avoid major injuries.
“I don’t know how I do it either. I’m always banged up,” Hodge later said.
And with the season-ending conference at this point where every game counts, there’s no reason for Hodge to take a step back now.
“At this point of the conference, you do whatever it takes to try to get to the next level. And we still haven’t won a championship,” he said.
“So I’m gonna sacrifice anything I need to and everything I need to just try and get to that next level and finally win one for Meralco.”