A valiant comeback attempt fell short for the Winnipeg Wesmen Friday night.

The Wesmen women's basketball team nearly pulled off a fourth-quarter rally at the Investors Group Athletic Centre before falling 77-74 to the Manitoba Bisons.

Down nine with six minutes to go and down seven with under three remaining, the Wesmen trimmed the advantage to 75-74 on a Tamiya Ness three with 47 seconds left.

Two possessions later, the Bisons got their lead back to three on an Anna Miko make, and the Wesmen had one last look to tie.

Raia Guinto's three wouldn't drop and the Bisons escaped.

Jazmin Birch led the Wesmen with 15 points and six rebounds off the bench. Jennifer Kallon added 11 with four steals and Anna Kernaghan scored 10 with seven rebounds and five assists. 

The Bisons were led by Miko and Darya Rom, both of whom had 16 points. 

The Wesmen now sit two games back of Manitoba for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division with five games remaining, three at home.