Chris Nelsen

Special to the Detroit Free Press

EAST LANSING - The magical run continues.

Senior guard Seth Polfus hit the winning lay-up at the buzzer in double overtime, lifting Powers North Central to a thrilling 84-83 win over Southfield Christian in Thursday’s Class D semifinal at the Breslin Center.

The top-ranked Jets (27-0) extended their nation-best win streak to 82 games, which also is an MHSAA record. The two-time defending state champions advance to the final at 10 a.m. Saturday and face Lansing Christian or Buckley.

“I just threw it up on the rim,” said Polfus, who finished with seven points. “I really had no idea how much time was left on that clock. I’m just happy to get it up and give it a chance. And it went in.”

Senior guard Brock Washington hit a three-pointer to give Southfield Christian an 83-82 lead with 6.5 seconds left. Polfus then took a long pass from Dawson Bilski near his own basket, and, after fumbling the ball, he avoided two Eagles defenders and hit the shot.

The final play was reviewed and officials ruled it was good.

“I knew I was going to be open and (Bilski) whipped a pass at me,” Polfus said. “It went right through my hands. I’m not sure how it didn’t go out of bounds, but I kept my dribble. After that, I don’t really know what happened. Everyone started getting quiet and I was like, ‘What's going on?’ I looked up at the clock and it barely went through. I can't believe it.”

North Central senior Jason Whitens, a Mr. Basketball finalist, had 31 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. His three late in the first overtime tied it at 76-76.

“We got into one of those situations where we needed some luck,” Whitens said. “It’s just people bonding together.”

Junior guard Bryce Washington finished with 23 points and seven rebounds for the Eagles (21-6). Sophomore guard Harlond Beverly scored 22 and Brock Washington added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

2017 Michigan boys basketball semifinals results, schedule