By GREG MENGELT
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former Jeffersonville star Tre Coleman scored 4 points and his Nevada Wolfpack pulled away in the second half to defeat Washington, 81-69, and claim the Crossover Classic title at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Wednesday.
Coleman went 1 for 9 from the field in the win. He also grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds and had an assist in 29 minutes.
Coleman, a sophomore, assisted on a Desmond Cambridge Jr. jumper to give the Wolfpack an early 6-5 lead. After the Wolfpack led 29-27 at the half, Washington took a 42-38 lead with 15:43 left. Coleman’s lone basket came 11 seconds later and pulled Nevada within 2 points.
From that point, the Wolfpack went on a 43-20 spurt, capped by two Coleman free throws with 43 seconds left for the final margin.
Four of Nevada’s five starters scored in double figures, led by tournament MVP Grant Sherfield. The junior guard finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals for the Wolfpack, who went 2-1 in Sioux Falls.
Cambridge, a senior, finished with 21 points, junior forward Warren Washington added 15 points and 9 rebounds and junior center Will Baker had 10 points and 9 boards in the victory.
Nevada out-rebounded the Huskies 44-25. Washington (4-3) was led by Terrell Brown Jr., who finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Wolfpack return to Reno and host Pepperdine (2-4) next Tuesday at 7 p.m. The game can be watched at players.brightcove.net.