JERRICK Balanza lit up for 25 points as Letran spoiled coach Louie Gonzalez's debut for Jose Rizal University, 78-67, in the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-2 swingman was the shining light for the Knights as he also got nine rebounds and five assists in the win.
Renato Ular added a double-double of 13 points and 14 boards as Letran won its opener in the summer tourney at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Knights coach Bonnie Tan got solid outings from all over his roster as they shot 38-percent from the field and won the battle of the boards, 49 to 38.
Rookie John Delos Santos topped the Heavy Bombers with 16 points and five assists, as Darius Estrella and Karl Bordon both had 10 in the loss.
Gonzalez is also making his NCAA comeback with JRU after last serving as Aldin Ayo's deputy with Letran back in 2015. He parted ways with La Salle after just one season at the helm last year.
The scores:
LETRAN 78 -- Balanza 25, Ular 13, Pambid 6, Sangalang 6, Mina 6, Muyang 5, Yu 4, Olivario 4, Ambohot 4, Pascual 3, Balagasay 2, Reyson 0, Gallano 0.
JRU 67 -- Delos Santos 16, Estrella 10, Bordon 10, Miranda 9, Padua 5, Arenal 4, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 3, Dulalia 2, Dela Virgen 2, Steinl 1, Aguilar 1, Ramos 1, Amores 0, Vasquez 0, Umali 0.
Quarters: 17-11, 40-27, 62-52, 78-67.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph