Chris Holtmann opens up on Ohio State's resiliency after upset victory over Iowa in Big Ten tournament

After falling to Penn State Feb. 23, Ohio State found itself on a nine-game losing streak with three games to play before the Big Ten tournament. Since then, though, the Buckeyes have won four of their last five games — including two straight in the conference tournament after beating Iowa on Thursday.

So, what changed? As Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann told Big Ten Network’s Andy Katz, his team figured out how to play through adversity. That couldn’t have happened at a better time.

“We have found a way to play the right way when things haven’t gone our way,” Holtmann said after the 73-69 victory over Iowa. “We didn’t do that for a stretch. We didn’t do it. As much film as we watched, it took us getting knocked in the teeth several times to understand there is a way you play when you are struggling that is the right way. If you do that, you’ll give yourself a chance to win. I think this validates it.”

Chris Holtmann: The Ohio State players ‘found a way’ to stay together

To say this year was a tough one for the Buckeyes would be an understatement. They finished with a 5-15 record in Big Ten play to come in as the No. 13 seed in the tournament. The tournament started with a victory over Wisconsin on Wednesday. Less than 24 hours later, Ohio State knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa.

It’s been quite a run over the last month — and Holtmann said it’s all credit to the players.

“It’s them,” Holtmann said. “They stayed together. I think when teams fall apart, it’s on everybody. When teams stay together, it’s on the players. They found a way. This is fun. I’m glad they’re enjoying it. This is a lot of fun.”

Now, Ohio State will rest up before taking on Michigan State in the quarterfinals Friday. The two teams just played March 4 in an 84-78 Spartans victory. Tip-off for the latest installment is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.