It was a see-saw game as Murrieta Valley (14-6, 3-2) took an early 14-8 lead in the first quarter, the teams played even (14 points each) in the second period, Temecula Valley (12-10, 3-2) went on a 23-13 run coming out of the break to lead 55-51 going into the final period, and then the Nighthawks exploded for 27 points to win the game by 10, 68-58. The score was 55-55 at the three-minute mark.

Junior Kevin Padlo finished with 30 points, including 4-for-7 from the 3-point arc, to lead Nighthawk scorers; he also had six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyler Bilton added 17 points, six rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal.

Temecula Valley shot 67 percent inside the arc and D’aubre Doucette ended with 22 points; Brandon Rosser had 13 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots.

The Nighthawk win created a mid-season four-way tie for first place in the league with Great Oak, Chaparral and Murrieta Mesa (who beat Great Oak 58-55 on Wednesday). The tie was-short-lived in the highly competitive league.

Murrieta Valley lost to Great Oak 53-51 on Friday, traveled to Murrieta Mesa on Jan. 30, and hosts Chaparral on Feb. 5.