Basketball Recap: Justin Beckham's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Harlem over Houston County

Harlem kicked off their season on the road on Saturday and hit a couple of potholes. They lost to the Houston County Bears on the road by a 67-48 margin. Sadly, the loss continues a streak the team started last season, making it four in a row.

Harlem lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Justin Beckham, who went 6-for-9 on his way to 15 points and five boards. Another player making a difference was AJ Williams, who posted 13 points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals.

Houston County got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Josh Jackson out in front who shot 50% from the field to rack up 23 points and five assists. The game was Jackson's third in a row with at least 17 points. Malik Gillespie was another key player, going 6-for-11 en route to 17 points and six boards.

The win got Houston County back to even at 1-1.

Harlem will get a bit of extra time to process the defeat as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Southwest at 5:30 p.m. on the 28th. As for Houston County, they have already played their next contest, a 74-66 victory against Howard on the 18th.