Bolts' Hodge cuts recovery short

Cliff Hodge is supposed to rest for two to three more weeks. But he was sorely needed by the head coach Norman Black and the Meralco Bolts.

On Wednesday night, he gave his squad what they were missing the most — the ball of energy that he is — against a Kia squad coming off an upset over Rain or Shine.

"Nobody’s happier than me to see him back. I mentioned earlier about the lack of effort against TNT and we seemed to have a low energy level against TNT. We all know that’s all Cliff is about,” Black said of his ward shortly after Meralco’s 105-76 win over Kia.

"He’s about energy and effort and probably just his presence really helped us a great deal tonight because he does give a lot of effort out there, particularly on the defensive end,” he added.

The Bolts forward made his presence felt as soon as he hit the parquet floor, cleaning glass and mounting a balanced effort for a guy who was coming from an injury. He went perfect from the field, accounting for eight points in 19 minutes of play. He finished with six boards and three dimes.

"I know that we needed some wins so I said if I can go up and down. I'm not 100 percent but I mean, I can go out there on defense. I just decided to come back and try and do whatever I can for my team Hodge said of his performance.

"Right now, I'm supposed to be out for 2-3 more weeks but I just go along as it goes. Hopefully I feel better after every practice and every game,” he added.

The Bolts have returned to the win column after losing three straight in the Philippine Cup. And with Ranidel de Ocampo still to rejoin the squad, Meralco sure looks like they still have a ceiling to reach.

-Philstar.com