Chris Holtmann addresses Ohio State's first half performance vs. Loyola Chicago

During the first half, Chris Holtmann called Ohio State vs. Loyola Chicago a “rock fest.” That’s pretty much how it went as the Buckeyes took a 23-18 lead into halftime in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Both teams are strong defensively, and they proved that in the first half. Ohio State shot 8-for-20 from the field and 0-for-9 from three-point distance, while the Buckeyes held Loyola Chicago to 7-for-29 from the field and 3-for-13 from downtown.

“Our defensive effort’s been really good,” Holtmann told CBS’ Dana Jacobson. “Offensively, we’ve got to move the ball a little bit better. It’s hard against their defense. We’ve to attack, close out a little bit better. I think we settled a few too many times, and we’ve got to play faster in transition. But give them credit. Their defense is good.”

Ohio State’s defense is pretty good, too. Loyola Chicago’s 18 points is a new season low, and two players — Braden Norris and Ryan Schwieger — combined for 11 of the Ramblers’ halftime total.

On offense for the Buckeyes, Malaki Branham scored 10 points to lead the charge. Kyle Young, fresh off a concussion, had five as the team’s second-leading scorer. Ohio State forced seven Ramblers turnovers, but the Buckeyes kept Loyola Chicago in it with seven turnovers of their own.

Chris Holtmann on Ohio State vs. Loyola Chicago: ‘It’s been a rock fight so far’

Early in the first half, baskets came at a premium for Ohio State and Loyola Chicago in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Chris Holtmann realized that and spoke about the defensive display with CBS’ Dana Jacobson during a media timeout.

Ohio State made just three of its first 12 baskets while Loyola Chicago made three of its first 15 shots. The Ramblers are a staunch defensive team, and Holtmann knew that coming in. He said the challenge for both teams is going to simply get some buckets and score points.

“It’s a good old fashioned rock fight right now,” Holtmann said at the under-12 minute media timeout. “I’m sure both teams will settle down and score some points, but they’re really good defensively and I like our defensive effort.”

Ohio State didn’t make a three-pointer in the first half, and Loyola Chicago only had three in the half. The two teams are squaring off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on CBS.