It was a great battle that ended with the two-time defending League Champion Murrieta Valley Nighthawks’ defense prevailing over the Murrieta Mesa Rams’ offense, 58-53.

The Rams’ 18-2 run erased a Nighthawk 17-10 first quarter lead with Mesa ahead 33-25 at intermission. Mesa’s Trevon Session had 16 points by the break.

Mesa led 45-37 into the third quarter when Murrieta Valley (MV) ratcheted up the defensive intensity and went on a 16-2 run of their own to retake the lead; they allowed Mesa just six points in the final period. Transition baskets and two three-point bombs by MV’s Thomas Alexandre were key in the turnaround. Mesa had two good looks at 55-53 to tie the game but failed to score.

The Nighthawks’ Kevin Padlo added the last of his 24 points on a layup to seal the victory. Padlo also had nine rebounds. Mitch Lenhart added 14 points; Alexandre finished with 11. Tyler Bilton had eight rebounds.

Mesa’s Sessions ended with 23 points, including three 3’s and 2-of-2 from the free throw line, but didn’t get a shot off in the final period. Shane Staton added 11 points; sophomore Austin Bryant had eight boards.

Tuesday night’s outcome created a three-way tie for second-place with Mesa, MV and Temecula Valley sporting 4-3 records. The tie lasted only until Friday night, however, as Mesa defeated Temecula Valley 73-65 and Murrieta Valley won 61-43 over Vista Murrieta. Temecula Valley’s top two scorers were injured in the game and will be out for last week of league play: Brandon Rosser sprained an MCL and Michael Price suffered his second concussion in three weeks.

Temecula Valley is now 4-4; Murrieta Valley and Murrieta Mesa are now 5-3.

Murrieta Mesa finishes league play away at Great Oak on Feb. 7.

Murrieta Valley hosts Chaparral travels to Temecula Valley on Feb. 7.

Temecula Valley hosts Great Oak on Friday, Feb. 8, to close out league play.