MERALCO goes to its knockout game against Phoenix Sunday with one of its key players not exactly 100 percent healthy.
Veteran forward Cliff Hodge has yet fully recovered from the sprained ankle he sustained four days ago and could be a game-ime decision for the Bolts in the 6:30 p.m. showdown with the Fuel Masters for the remaining semifinals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Coach Luigi Trillo said the 35-year-old Hodge’s sprained ankle is still hurting that could limit his minutes, or worse, could make him unavailable for the team’s most important game of the season.
“He still can’t place pressure on it,” said Trillo. “Would have wanted Cliff at 100 percent.”
Hodge stepped on the foot of Phoenix rookie Ken Tuffin while going for a rebound late in the first overtime of their quarterfinal game last Wednesday.
The 6-foot-4 Fil-Am never returned to the game, which the Bolts eventually won in triple overtime, 116-107.
Hodge finished with 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field and added 10 rebounds.
Trillo knows Hodge is a big shoes to fill in, but Meralco is adopting the next man up mentality if ever the Florida native won’t be available.
“We’re ready with or without him. We have guys who can step up,” said the Meralco coach.
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