Gonzaga-Portland key matchup: Marcus Shaver Jr. heating up for Pilots

Last-place Portland has struggled with consistency and rhythm on offense. That includes guard Marcus Shaver Jr., but the 6-foot-2 sophomore is trending up again.

Shaver was one of the few bright spots with 21 points in the Pilots’ 76-55 home loss to San Diego on Thursday. Shaver scored 25 in Portland’s previous game against Pacific.

Shaver has logged at least 30 minutes in each of the last 10 games and he’s scored in double figures in all but one game this season. He’s experienced several tough shooting nights, but in the last two games he’s nailed 15 of 23 shots, 7 of 10 3-pointers and 9 of 11 free throws.

Shaver joins JoJo Walker in the backcourt. Walker is the main ball-handler, but Shaver is a capable distributor. Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins will probably defend Walker with Norvell on Shaver at the outset, unless the Zags choose to cross-match.