Archie Miller said Indiana’s slow start was to blame for its 78-59 loss to Ohio State on Saturday.

Ohio State jumped out to a 21-6 lead in this game and never looked back. The Hoosiers fought hard, but were never able to overcome that early deficit.

“It comes down to making a couple of layups, a couple of free throws,” Miller told reporters have the game. “We have a major starting problem … it’s really hurting us.”

Indiana narrowed the margin to five points in the second half, but Ohio State’s lead ballooned after that. The Buckeyes led by 23 points at one point before ultimately winning by 19.

Trayce Jackson-Davis helped keep Indiana in the game with a 23-point performance. He scored efficiently, too, needing only 14 shots. However, the Hoosiers shot just 42 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Ohio State managed shooting splits of 48.2 percent from the field, 43.8 percent from the 3-point line and 89.5 percent from the charity stripe.

While this loss is surely disappointing, it’s not damaging to Indiana’s NCAA Tournament hopes. The Buckeyes are a top-5 team in the nation and this game was in Columbus. Still, it was a big opportunity for Indiana to make a statement.

Indiana is now the No. 29 team in the country according to KenPom, which would place the Hoosiers squarely on the right side of the bubble. However, the Hoosiers are still below .500 in conference play which will hurt them come Selection Sunday if that does not improve.

Indiana’s next game is on Wednesday against Minnesota.