Often the most frustrating time when trying to reach a certain threshold of proficiency – in any endeavor – comes during the final push for a breakthrough.
That was the aura exuded by Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann in his postgame press conference following the Buckeyes’ 71-65 loss to Indiana on Saturday. Second-half shooting, a few defensive lapses, turnovers and lackluster play from some team stars cost the squad in one of the Big Ten’s most hostile road environments.
But there are other key areas – rebounding, mentality, generating open looks – where Holtmann felt Ohio State played plenty well enough to win.