Gonzaga-San Diego key matchup: Toreros’ Braun Hartfield on a roll entering rematch

Braun Hartfield and the rest of his San Diego teammates had a rough night Jan. 9 in a 94-50 loss at home to Gonzaga.

Hartfield bounced back quickly and ranks as one of the hotter players in the conference entering the rematch. The 6-foot-6 transfer from Youngstown State has averaged 20.2 points in six February games, elevating his season average to 14.6. He’s shooting nearly 48% from the field in that stretch with three 20-point efforts.

Hartfield had nine points on 4-of-13 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and committed four turnovers in the first meeting. He’s been in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games. He made 40% of his 3-point attempts over a five-game stretch before going 0 of 5 against Saint Mary’s last Saturday.

Hartfield scores in a variety of ways. He shoots 50% inside the arc. He’s made a team-high 48 3-pointers on 33.3% accuracy. His 116 free throws are 41 more than his closest teammate.

Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert will likely defend Hartfield after having success in the first meeting. Joel Ayayi and Admon Gilder are potential options.