Gonzaga-Santa Clara key matchup: Trey Wertz on hot streak entering rematch

Sophomore guard Tahj Eaddy occupied this space prior to the first meeting with Gonzaga nearly three weeks ago. He’s still doing damage (16.3 points), but we’ll highlight backcourt running mate Trey Wertz in the rematch.

Wertz, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound freshman from Charlotte, North Carolina, has led the Broncos in assists in eight straight games. He averages 12.2 points, 5 assists and 3.1 rebounds, but he’s on a three-game hot streak (16.7 points, 56.3 percent on field goals, 54.5 percent on 3-pointers).

Wertz, like Eaddy and pretty much the rest of the Broncos, struggled in Santa Clara’s 91-48 loss to the Zags in Spokane. He was just 3 of 7 from the field with six points, five assists and six turnovers. He’s capable of big scoring nights (33 vs. Jackson State, 28 vs. USC and 20 vs. BYU) and he’s delivered a pair of 10-assist efforts.

Zach Norvell Jr. will probably draw the defensive assignment on Wertz with Josh Perkins assigned to Eaddy. Corey Kispert and Geno Crandall also are options.