DETROIT PSL BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS:

Detroit Northwestern had a six-point lead against the No. 5 team in the state with just over two minutes left in its first Public School League playoff game since 1985 when coach Steve Hall called a time-out.

"We're in the double bonus," Hall told his players. "We want high-percentage shots and free throws. We don't want jump shots."

The next trip down the floor, guard Julian Gentry launched a three-point shot as the Northwestern coaches leaped from the bench and screamed.

After the ball swished through the net, Gentry turned to his outraged coaches, shrugged his shoulders and said: "That's what I do."

Gentry scored 20 of his game-high 30 points in the final quarter Wednesday as Northwestern upset Pershing, 92-84, in a PSL quarterfinal game.

The Colts will play Renaissance Friday at 6 p.m. at Cass Tech in a semifinal game.

Behind the scoring of guard Eric Evans (27 points), Northwestern (12-4) took a 14-8 lead after one quarter and improved it to 34-27 at the half.

Pershing (10-3) turned up the pressure in the second half, and Demetrius Ward (25 points) and Keith Appling (21) led a charge to close within two entering the fourth quarter.

But that is when Gentry went nuts. He scored Northwestern's first 12 points.

Pershing was within four when Damon Butler (20 points) hit two free throws and Gentry followed with a lay-up. After Derrick Nix (13 points) made two free throws for Pershing, Gentry drilled his triple that sent his coaches into a tizzy and Evans added two free throws.

Gentry made all seven of his shots in the fourth quarter.

"I'm a shooter and the coaches know I'm a shooter; we all have confidence in my shot," Gentry said. "My team was depending on me. When you look into your teammates' eyes and see they need you, you step up."

The Colts also depended on Evans, who was able to withstand Pershing's press.

"Man, that was one of the best quarters I've ever seen (Gentry) have," Evans said.

It was one of the best quarters anyone had, even if Gentry took that ill-advised triple.

"I'll take the three points, but he would have had some problems with me if he would have missed it," Hall said.

NORTHWESTERN 65, CITY 53: Paul Williams scored 10 of his 18 points in the third quarter for Renaissance (14-2, No. 2 in Class B). Hakeem Whitehead's 12 points led City (14-2, No. 3 Class D).

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