By GREG MENGELT

RENO, Nev. — Tre Coleman and the Nevada Wolf Pack nearly erased a 15-point lead in the final 12 minutes, but their comeback attempt came up a point short in a 79-78 loss to San Diego State at the Lawlor Events Center on Saturday.

Coleman, a sophomore from Jeffersonville, made his only attempt and finished with two points. He also had a rebound and fouled out in 14 minutes.

Junior teammate Grant Sherfield finished with a game-high 30 points and had seven assists to lead the Wolfpack. Senior guard Matt Bradley had 23 points to pace the Aztecs, who are considered an NCAA bubble team.

Coleman and the Pack are the 8-seed for the Mountain West Tournament beginning Wednesday. They face the ninth seed, New Mexico (13-18) in the first round. The game begins at noon at Las Vegas. The winner faces Boise State (24-7) in the quarterfinals Thursday. The quarterfinals and semifinals will air on CBS Sports Network. Saturday’s championship is on CBS with the champion taking the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.