Magnolia's Lucero wants Meralco's Hodge sanctioned over 'dirty' play

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia forward Zav Lucero is hoping that the PBA will do something about Meralco veteran Cliff Hodge’s supposed “dirty play” Wednesday evening. 

The Hotshots on Wednesday defeated the Bolts, 117-92, to remain unscathed in the PBA Philippine Cup. 

But the victory was marred by a hard foul by Hodge on Lucero late in the fourth quarter. 

With more than two minutes remaining in the game, and Meralco firmly ahead, 112-89, Hodge lost the ball after it was stolen by Lucero. 

Hodge then seemingly took the head of Lucero and almost slammed it on the floor. 

A scuffle followed as the two traded words. 

After the game, Lucero did not mince any words. 

“Dirty play, I can’t really explain it. More than that you can see it in the tape. [...] It’s not basketball. We're up 20 points, game is done so I don't know where that’s coming from,” said Lucero after the game. 

The former UP Fighting Maroon voiced hope that the league will “do something about it”. 

“All I can hope is the league does something about it. Last time someone did a dirty play, nothing got done about it. I’m just hoping that kind of stuff, that’s not basketball. So if you continue to let things like that happen, then I don't know what kind of league it is.”

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero stressed that while physicality is part of the game, the play may have been excessive. 

“We give emphasis doon sa mental and physicality of Meralco. Palagi naman ganyan e.[...] We feel na medyo sumobra lang yun physicality na yun that’s why nagkaroon ng konting commotions sa dulo,” Victolero said. 

For his part, Hodge said that he was merely trying to stop the transition play. 

“I don’t think so. I was trying to stop a fastbreak layup. [...] I don’t know if he takes it personally or not but nothing personal,” Hodge told reporters.

The 6-foot-4 forward also claimed that one of the Hotshots’ assistant coaches headbutted him in the face during the confrontation, which left a mark on his face. He did not name who the assistant coach was.

Meralco is now holding a 3-5 win-loss record in the All Filipino conference, while Magnolia is toting a perfect 6-0 card. — Ravi Tan, intern