TAMPA — When Tampa Prep fell to Tampa Catholic last month, the Terrapins were still figuring out a new roster and figuring out who would take big shots behind sophomore superstar Juwan Durham.
By Tuesday’s rematch, Tampa Prep had figured out its answers.
Michael Fridella and Taz Strauch both hit key 3-pointers down the stretch to help the Terrapins pull away with a 58-48 home victory.
“I think we showed a little more composure when we got the lead,” Terrapins coach Joe Fenlon said. “In the fourth quarter we weren’t taking quick shots. We were taking good shots.”
Tampa Prep (21-2) needed those good looks late to overcome early turnovers and avenge a 75-73 loss to the Crusaders (14-10) in the City of Tampa Championship final.
The Terrapins turned the ball over 14 times in the first half. They held TC to 2-of-19 shooting in the first quarter but still led by only one at halftime.
Tampa Prep started to seize the game in the third quarter, when Durham scored 13 of his game-high 29 points. On one sequence, the Division I recruit misjudged a shot on defense, recovered to block it, ran down the court and finished with one of his five dunks. Durham added 17 rebounds and four blocks.
TC’s own D-I talent, Delaware signee Chivarsky Corbett, kept the Crusaders close. He had 16 of his team-leading 25 points in the second half and added 10 rebounds, but Tampa Prep had too much depth.
Fridella opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer, and Strauch drained another moments later. Durham followed a Yoni Wasser bucket with another dunk, and Tampa Prep cruised to a win that provides plenty of confidence heading into next week’s district tournament.
“It takes a little bit to get the cohesion where you want to get it,” Fenlon said. “I think we’re getting there.”
Times staff writer Matt Baker can be reached at mbaker@tampabay.com or on Twitter @MattHomeTeam.