Mexico boys basketball coach Darren Pappas looks back at the past 15 days as a transformative period for the Bulldogs.

Mexico (7-9) has won four of its past five games, including Wednesday night, when the Bulldogs finished third in the Macon Tournament with a 70-56 victory over Brookfield.

It’s more than Mexico simply winning. The Bulldogs have dominated in their past four victories. Mexico defeated Elsberry, Harrisburg, Moberly and Brookfield by an average of 24 points.

The lone loss for the Bulldogs over the past two weeks came against Kirksville (13-2). The Tigers defeated Mexico 75-69 in the Macon Tournament semifinal.

“We got after it better defensively, good rotations, which led into transition,” Pappas said after Wednesday’s win. “That’s always helpful for our style of play. When we didn’t get in transition, we backed it out and executed offensively. The guys were really playing team-oriented basketball and moving the ball well.”

Mexico had four players with 10 or more points against Brookfield. Zach Watkins led the way with 23 points while shooting 9 of 14 from the field. Isaiah Reams went 10-for-12 from the free-throw line and finished with 12 points. Raef Yager chipped and 11 points, alongside 10 points from Drew Blevins.

The Bulldogs struggled in the third quarter, as Brookfield outscored Mexico 18-10 in the period. But Mexico remained ahead thanks to blowing past Brookfield 23-9 in the second quarter.

Mexico had scored in the 60s just three games all season before the recent five-game stretch. The Bulldogs are averaging 67 points in their past five games and reached 70 points for the first time this season despite shooting 1-for-12 from deep against Brookfield.

Mexico looks to extend its hot streak against Kirkville at home on Friday, as the teams meet for the second time in less than a week.

The Tigers have won four straight against Mexico.

“The Kirksville game was a tough loss,” Pappas said. “But we felt like we played pretty well. … We have to be relentless on the boards. Noah Copeland is a heck of a ballplayer and we have to contain him inside. We also have to keep Ryan Ball of the glass. He had 20 points against us (last Saturday).”