An apologetic Meralco veteran Cliff Hodge owned up to his actions, which resulted in a hefty fine and a one-game suspension, as he took the time to reflect and learn from his mistakes.

The forward returned to play after serving his sanction and helped the defending champions Bolts connect a second straight win at the expense of NLEX, 108-92, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Hodge had to sit out Meralco’s rout of Blackwater last Wednesday to serve his penalty for his dangerous hard foul on Magnolia’s Zav Lucero two weeks ago.

“It’s good to be back. Of course, you don’t want to get suspended for any extra-curricular activity,” Hodge, who had to pay a P100,000 after pulling Lucero down by the neck in a loose ball scramble with the Hotshots already leading the Bolts by a mile in the final 2:16 of game last 14 May at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The defensive-minded 37-year-old hustle player contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 39 minutes of play.

“I’ve served my suspension. It kinda let me reflect on being a better role model to everyone. I tried my best today and I think I did better this time around. It’s good to come out and play,” Hodge added.