CLIFF Hodge doesn't mind suffering cramps every game as long as Meralco gets the win.
And that's none more obvious Friday night when the veteran power forward willed himself to overcome the pain in his left leg and help the Bolts outlast NorthPort Batang Pier in double overtime, 126-123.
Hodge had a monster effort of 23 points and 10 rebounds in the team's sixth win in eight outings that kept the Bolts remain in the running for a playoffs berth.
He finished with an 11-of-19 shooting from the field while emerging as one of only two players along with Batang Pier Sean Anthony to suit up for a total of 54 minutes in the game played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The wear-and-tear effect was obvious near the endgame as Hodge had to limp his way back to the Meralco bench several times.
Sponsored content:
"Just got to do what I got to do just to get a win," said Hodge, who admitted being dead tired following the match.
"Every minute count just so we get a win," he added. "So long as we win, it's all worth it."
Hodge said the game against the Batang Pier was a do-or-die one for Meralco.
"I think if we didn't win, we're probably out in the playoffs," said the Fil-Am big man.
While the Bolts kept their hopes alive of making the quarterfinals, the road to the playoffs remain a narrow path for the team.
Sponsored content:
Meralco will next face Rain or Shine, followed by Alaska, and finally Barangay Ginebra.
"Every game is important now, and if we want to make it to the playoffs, we just going to keep giving the effort and listen to the coaches," said Hodge.
"Hopefully, we make it to the playoffs in the last three games we got." (RG)
