Fans saw something they hadn’t seen before on Tuesday night in the PBA: Meralco Bolts veteran Cliff Hodge wearing goggles in their match against the Blackwater Bossing at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
After the Bolts held off Blackwater for a clutch victory, the veteran big man explained an eye injury sustained during practice forced him to wear protective goggles. The injury was so severe it required eight stitches, and Hodge was initially advised not to play against the Bossing.
“About a week ago in practice, I got hit by an accidental elbow by Raymond [Almazan], and I had to get eight stitches,” said Hodge. “I had my checkup last Monday, and then they did a scan on my retina and it had a hole in it, so they had to do the laser treatment yesterday. It was just my decision to play today.”
That decision paid off for Meralco, as Hodge contributed 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. He also broke open for an easy undergoal stab with under a minute left that gave the Bolts a 116‑113 lead.
Cliff Hodge Won’t Be Missing Games
Cliff Hodge playing through injury probably isn’t a surprise. For one, he has always been one of the PBA’s toughest and most durable players. But, perhaps more important, Meralco needs to win its remaining game to even have a chance at making it to the quarterfinals.
“Right now every game for us is a do or die, so I just wanted to go out there and be ready for my teammates,” stressed Hodge. “From here on out, it’s playoffs for us and we wanna make it to the playoffs, so we gotta win every game. That’s why we leave it on the line.”
Expect more of the same when Meralco concludes its PBA Governors’ Cup elimination phase with a date against the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Expect Cliff Hodge to wear goggles, too, in that must‑win—and maybe even beyond.
“It is the first time I’ve worn goggles, [and] it didn’t really affect me that much. It kinda got foggy every now and then but I mean other than that, it’s just go out there and play my game,” he told reporters. “They said two weeks [to wear goggles], but if we keep on winning I’ll just keep on wearing it.”
With a 4‑5 record, the Bolts will have to win against Phoenix first. Maybe after, Cliff Hodge can think about whether he’ll keep wearing goggles or not.
