The Mexico Bulldogs entered the week with a 23-0 record, and with just two games remaining, an immaculate regular season within arm’s reach.

 If the Bulldogs were nervous, they certainly didn’t show it.

 Hosting Macon on Monday in their final home game of the year, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 44-31 halftime lead and continued to dominate in the second half en route to an 84-56 win.

 “We did a really good job getting after it on the defensive end and getting out in transition,” head coach Darren Pappas said.

 The Bulldogs scored 22 points in transition, 10 points off turnovers and 19 second-chance points to put the visiting Tigers away. They also protected the rock—turning it over just eight times—and were overpowering on the glass, outrebounding Macon 40-30.

 Isaiah Reams led the Bulldogs with 24 points, eight rebounds and two steals; Michael White had 22 points, 11 boards and three swipes; D.J. Long finished with 12 points, four assists and two rebounds; and Daeye Miller notched 10 points and five rebounds.

 Keeping a next-game mentality, Mexico went out and thumped North Central Missouri Conference foe Hannibal on Tuesday.

 Playing on the road in their regular-season finale, the Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas, zooming out to a 39-19 advantage at the break. After a 29-point third quarter, Pappas called in the reserves, who were able to close things out to win, 76-57.

 “We got out to a really fast start,” said Pappas. “We were clicking on all cylinders. Jordan Shelton got us going.”

 Shelton led the way with 23 points, Long scored 14, Reams tallied 10, White and Anthony Shivers each chipped in eight and Petyon Willer knocked down two triples.

 The victory secured a spotless regular season for the Bulldogs, who finish with a 25-0 record, including a perfect 10-0 in conference play. The closest they came to a loss all season was Jan. 4, when Fulton pushed them to overtime — they won 68-61 in OT.

 Though they achieved a momentous milestone — Pappas said he believed it to be the only perfect season in school history — the Bulldogs’ celebration was muted, with the postseason looming.

 “It wasn’t like a super rah, rah, rah celebration in the locker room – it was more mild,” Pappas explained. “We’re excited — don’t get me wrong — it’s a huge accomplishment. But we also know that the season starts over today and everybody starts with a clean state.”

 Mexico now enters the Class 4, District 8 Tournament, hosted at Centralia High School. As the No. 1 seed, the Bulldogs have an opening round bye, then will play the winner of Monday night’s game between Centralia and Moberly on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

 “It’s a win-or-go-home approach from here on out,” said Pappas. “So we’ve gotta take it one game at a time and we’ve got to prepare for our first district game.”