NATCHEZ — The Natchez High Bulldogs protected their house in its last home game of the season, dominating Lawrence County High School 91-40 Tuesday.

The Bulldogs (13-8, 3-3) had its four seniors start on Senior Night, and each scored with De’Arius Griffin putting up a game high of 28 points. Gary Woods had 11, Keylan Wimley had eight and Lorenzo Smith scored three points.

Joel Bacon came into the game in the fourth quarter and hit five three-pointers for a 15-point performance.

The Bulldogs stayed in the lead as they went on an early 7-2 run to start the game before the Cougars called a timeout.

Lawrence County had a difficult time breaking Natchez’s zone defense a several turnovers put the Bulldogs ahead 13-6 before Gabe Lewis scored a buzzer-beating corner three-pointer to end the first quarter 13-9.

Natchez pushed the lead up to 15 points in the second half as it only allowed the Cougars six points to its 17.

Natchez distanced itself in the third quarter when Griffin went off with 18 points, including four three-pointers.

Griffin went on a 7-0 run by himself to start the quarter that put the Bulldogs ahead 37-15.

Natchez went up by 30 points on a steal and floater in the lane by Woods with 1:30 remaining in the third quarter to take a 56-36 advantage.

The quarter ended with both teams scoring a basket, 58-28.

The Bulldogs didn’t let up there as its second team came in and continued to dismantle the Cougars on Bacon’s five three-pointers as the Bulldogs cruised to a 91-40 victory.

Bulldogs assistant coach David Haywood said Natchez used this game to get ready for the district tournament next week.

“We wanted to prepare for who we’ll be facing next week,” Haywood said. “So we tried to work on the same things in the game that we plan to utilize.”

Haywood said his seniors played big Tuesday, and they’ll have to continue the same intensity and leadership in the post season.

“They’ve been working hard and putting in extra time and hopefully, they will come up big for us,” he said. “We just want to be as mentally prepared as possible.”

Natchez plays its last regular season game against Murrah high School Friday.

Natchez girls 62, Lawrence County 22

The Lady Bulldogs (20-2) went on a tear as well as it beat the Lady Cougars 62-22 on Senior Night.

It was domination from the start as Natchez outscored Lawrence County 21-3 in the first quarter.

Senior Kiana Jones scored 10 of the Lady Bulldogs 12 points in the second quarter to put Natchez ahead 33-10 at half time.

Senior Marquita Wallace scored nine points as well.

The Lady Bulldogs finished off the Lady Cougars by outscoring them 29-12 to take the 62-22 win.

The Lady Bulldogs play again Friday against Murrah High School.