In a tough blow for the Ohio State men's basketball team, they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday night. The Buckeyes fell behind early in the game and couldn't recover, with the final score ending at a disappointing 83-58.

This loss marks Ohio State's fifth consecutive defeat on the road this season, bringing their overall record to 13-7. The team's struggles in January have been a recurring theme throughout Coach Chris Holtmann's tenure, with the Buckeyes now holding a 2-5 record for the month.

Northwestern's impressive shooting performance proved to be a major factor in their victory. They connected on 58% of their shots from the field and an impressive 53% from beyond the arc. In contrast, Ohio State struggled to find their rhythm, hitting only 34% of their shots and a meager 24% from three-point range.

The Buckeyes' offensive struggles have become a growing concern in recent games. After starting the season strong with an average of 79 points per game and shooting 38% on threes, their numbers have significantly dropped during their current streak, averaging just 66 points per game and a disappointing 24% on threes.

This game against Northwestern was undoubtedly one of the toughest losses for Ohio State this season, resembling some of their lopsided defeats from last year's dismal 1-14 Big Ten play stretch. Coach Holtmann's decision to skip the postgame press conference was noted, as he instead met privately with just two reporters.

In his comments following the game, Holtmann acknowledged the team's need for improvement and emphasized the importance of finding a way to rectify their current struggles. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back and insisted that the issues they face are fixable with hard work and dedication.

Holtmann discussed Northwestern's effective defensive strategies, noting their ability to collapse on drives and disrupt the Buckeyes' offensive flow. He took responsibility as a coach, emphasizing the need to provide better plans and support to the team.

As Ohio State prepares for their upcoming game against No. 10 Illinois, Holtmann stressed the urgency of the situation. The team's recent losses, compounded by their lack of confidence, have put them in a tough spot. Holtmann emphasized the importance of swiftly correcting their course and regaining their form.

With the second half of the season underway, the Buckeyes find themselves in a crucial period where they must overcome adversity and regain their winning form. Coach Holtmann remains hopeful that the team can learn from their recent struggles and come out stronger in the upcoming games.

The Ohio State men's basketball team will be determined to rebound from their recent setbacks, and their next matchup against a formidable opponent in No. 10 Illinois will provide them with an opportunity to prove their resilience and turn their season around.