CLIFF Hodge almost didn’t suit up for Meralco in its crucial PBA Governors’ Cup game against Blackwater after undergoing laser surgery on his left eye.
The tough forward underwent surgery on Monday, and had to wear goggles during the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium which the Bolts won, 120-115.
Hodge finished with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists. His basket inside the final 66 seconds put things back in order for the Bolts, 116-113, after the Bossing came back from 20-points down to wrest the lead.
“Honestly, we have to win these two games to even have a chance at the playoffs. So you just go out there and try your best to do anything for the team to win. And we got half of the job done,” said the former Defensive Player of the Year.
READ Meralco survives Blackwater fightback, boosts playoff hopes
Meralco improved to a 4-5 record in Group B heading to its final game of the eliminations on Friday against Phoenix.
The laser surgery had to be done right away after a hole was found when the stitches on his eye were removed (after suffering a black eye).
“So they had to do an emergency laser procedure yesterday (Monday),” he said. “So I just got back to work today.”
The procedure lasted for about 20 minutes.
As tough a player as Hodge is, he did admit the procedure hurt.
“She (eye doctor) said it wasn’t going to hurt, but when she started it was painful. So after 20 minutes, I don’t want to do that again.”
Hodge said he thought he wouldn’t be able to play against the Bossing, adding his vision was a little bit different after surgery.
“It was kind of bad when the laser thing was done. I was kind of worried,” the 38-year-old Fil-Am said. “But when I woke up this morning, everything was pretty clear.”
Hodge wasn’t used to wearing the goggles while playing,
“It got a little foggy every now and then,” he said, but added he eventually got used to it as the game wore on.
Hodge said he was advised to wear the goggles for the next two weeks, but Meralco’s win over Blackwater may have changed his outlook a bit.
“If we keep on winning, I’ll just keep on wearing it. We’ll see,” he added.
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