At the half, Tampa Prep had a commanding 35-18 lead over First Academy. Prep sophomore C, Juwan Durham had 18 first half points and 5 block shots. A dominant performance, First Academy struggled to limit Durham under the rim.

Then the 3rd quarter happened. After a blistering 21 point second quarter, Tampa Prep was held to just 6 points and two field goals while First Academy must have had one heck of a pep talk at the half because they scored 19 big points including three 3-pointers. Kelvin Brown led all 3rd quarter scorers with 8 points. The Academy’s defense limited Durham’s touches in the same period, 2 points and no foul shots.

First Academy kept the pressure on in the last period pulling within 1 point, stunning the home crowd. Fletcher Magee scored 7 points, 4 of which were crucial foul shots. First academy hit 8 of 11 foul shots, 10 buckets from the field and 7 3-pointers. Tampa Prep proved that good teams win with free throws, 16/19, 17 baskets from inside the 3-point line and 1 basket from behind. When the pressure was on, Juwan Durham stood tall scoring 7 4th quarter points, 5/6 from the charity stripe. Durham would finish the game with 27 points, 5 block shots and 2 rebounds. Tampa Prep would hold off First Academy 53-49 and advance to play Shorecerst on Tuesday in the 3A state semi-finals in Lakeland.