Hodge, Meralco surge past Mahindra

Jane Bracher

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Hodge, Meralco surge past Mahindra
Cliff Hodge registers 25 points, including 5 crucial markers in the last two minutes, as Meralco stays on top of the standings with a 7-2 record

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Cliff Hodge settled down the Meralco Bolts in the closing minutes and they surged past the Mahindra Enforcers, 94-86, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, April 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Hodge finished with 25 points – including 5 crucial markers in the last 1:30 – on top of 11 rebounds and 3 assists as Meralco overturned a 10-point Mahindra lead to start the final frame.

Three consecutive triples – one from veteran guard Jimmy Alapag and two by rookie playmaker Baser Amer – propelled the Bolts to the 86-84 lead with under 3 minutes remaining.

Hodge buried a baseline jumper off a dish from Alapag then completed a 3-point play after driving baseline to the hoop for the 92-86 edge.

“I was concerned about this game because we were off for 16 days,” said head coach Norman Black. “In the first half we were very rusty, defensively and offensively, we just couldn’t get our groove.”

Import Arinze Onuaku tallied 16 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and two blocks. Chris Newsome had a near triple-double of 15 markers, 9 boards and 7 dimes.

Reynel Hugnatan added 13 points and 5 rebounds as Meralco, which is assured of a playoff spot sitting atop the standings, rose to 7-2.

“It’s a big win for us, obviously, because it keeps us in first place and it puts us in a position where if we’re fortunate enough to get a win in our next game versus Alaska we’ll get the twice-to-beat advantage,” Black added.

The Enforcers had import Augustus Gilchrist leading the way with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block, but went scoreless in the fourth period.

Karl Dehesa and Aldrech Ramos had 15 and 12 points, respectively, while Mark Yee added 11. 

Mahindra’s playoff hopes are still in peril as they fell to a 4-5 record tied for 8th with the Star Hotshots. The bottom 4 of the 12 teams will be eliminated. 

Scores:

Meralco (94): Hodge 25, Onuaku 16, Newsome 15, Hugnatan 13, Alapag 8, Dillinger 7, Amer 6, Faundo 4, Bono 0, Ry Buenafe 0, Caram 0, Ferriols 0, 

Mahindra (86): Gilchrist 20, Dehesa 15, Ramos 12, Yee 11, Revilla 10, Canaleta 6, Digregorio 3, Pinto 3, Bagatsing 2, Ballesteros 2, Guinto 2.

Quarter scores: 18-29; 45-44; 60-70; 94-86.

– Rappler.com

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