Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann expressed his frustration with the Buckeyes' performance following their 71-65 loss to Indiana on Saturday. The team's second-half shooting, defensive lapses, turnovers, and lackluster play from key players allowed Indiana to secure the victory, despite Ohio State having some positive moments throughout the game.

Holtmann acknowledged that there were areas where the Buckeyes played well enough to win, specifically mentioning rebounding, mentality, and generating open looks. However, the team's struggles on offense, particularly in the second half, proved to be their downfall.

In the latter half of the game, Ohio State shot just 28.2% from the field and a disappointing 2-for-12 from beyond the arc. Holtmann noted that the team had good opportunities, particularly off offensive rebounds, but the ball stuck at times and didn't move effectively, especially with the guards.

One particularly frustrating sequence occurred when the Buckeyes missed multiple open shots in quick succession, leading to Indiana securing the defensive rebound. The team's star point guard, Bruce Thornton, along with Roddy Gayle Jr., struggled throughout the game, shooting a combined 20.6% from the field and going 0-for-12 from three-point range.

Turnovers also plagued Ohio State, as they committed 14 compared to Indiana's four. The Hoosiers capitalized on these mistakes, outscoring the Buckeyes 22-5 in points off turnovers, overshadowing Ohio State's 24-9 advantage in second-chance points.

Despite the disappointing loss, Holtmann commended his team's resilience. Ohio State fought back from a 10-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining and managed to cut Indiana's lead to 67-65 with under two minutes left in the game.

However, Holtmann emphasized the need for improved defense to compensate for the team's offensive struggles. He praised center Felix Okpara's strong performance in the interior but believed that the team needed to improve their transition defense and off-the-ball movement.

The Buckeyes, who have now lost their last 11 road games dating back to January 1, 2023, understand the importance of rectifying their shooting woes and improving in key areas as they head into the crucial months ahead.

As they look to break their road losing streak, Ohio State remains confident in their abilities. The team acknowledges the need to practice harder, pay attention to details, and stay resilient in order to turn their fortunes around.

With January and February posing critical challenges for the Buckeyes, Holtmann stressed the importance of fortitude, resiliency, and leadership as the team works to improve their performance on both ends of the court.