NEWTON — Once again, the Div. 1 crown goes through Worcester North.

Amir Jenkins scored 15 points while the Polar Bears put forth a stifling defensive effort as Worcester North defeated host No. 14 Newton North, 55-31, in a rematch of last year’s Division 1 boys basketball state semifinal on Friday night.

The win for the Polar Bears (10-0) marks their 31st consecutive victory. It was an impressive defensive display for the defending Div. 1 state champions who were coming off a game Thursday night in the HoopHall classic. North held Newton North (5-3) to just seven points over an 18-minute stretch.

“We played well defensively the whole game, we just could not score in the first half,” said Worcester North coach Al Pettway. “Once we were able to get out in transition a little bit more consistently we were able to turn our defense into offense.”

There will be little time to celebrate for the Polar Bears, who are set to take on two-time defending Div. 2 state champion Malden Catholic on Sunday.

“We’ve only played one home game so far, so we’ve had to showcase ourselves on the road and what we can do,” Pettway said.

Newton North grabbed a 14-8 lead after one courtesy of a Gerard Reeves putback and a Jake Lyons three-pointer. The visitors, however, turned the tide before halftime. Joe Okla scored twice inside around a Jenkins basket while at the other end the Tigers were held to just two points in the second quarter, putting Worcester North up 17-16 at the break.

The Polar Bears pulled away in the third. Okla hit two free throws, Khari Bryan cleaned up a sixth opportunity on North possession, TeShaun Steele had a steal and slam, and Jenkins drilled a triple as part of a 21-5 third quarter that put Worcester North on top 38-21. Tigers star Teagan Swint tried to keep Newton North within striking distance, hitting a turnaround jumper and drilling a corner three.

Worcester North’s 18th offensive rebound of the night, however, set up a basket for Amaren Minor as part of a 10-2 spurt that gave Worcester North a commanding 49-27 lead with 4:17 left

“We do not even talk about the MIAA rankings,” said Pettway. “I feel like the more we do, we’re not being rewarded. We can only control what we can control, which is going on the court and proving how good we are.”