How dudes in Speedos are fueling Miami (Ohio)’s March Madness run

Basketball fans will use any method to intimidate opposing players when they try to shoot free throws. Some turn the section behind the hoop into a jungle of giant waving balloons. Others hold up signs reading “BRICK.”

But the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks have come up with perhaps the most tantalizing distraction in all of college sports: a thundering horde of screaming men clad only in Speedos.

Yes, in an attempt to find any method to help their team, Miami has turned to the most desperate place of all for inspiration: your humble author’s search history.

During the RedHawks’ First Four NCAA matchup against SMU, Mustangs forward Corey Washington went to the line during the second half to attempt a couple of foul shots.

But before anyone could say “Oh Pit Crew,” a group of barechested guys from the Miami swimming and diving team stormed the aisles behind the basket wearing nothing but swim caps and Speedos and whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

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In the span of one free throw, the RedHawks transformed the stands into Magic Mike Live. It’s a good thing for Miami swimmers and divers the NCAA now permits athletes to earn compensation, though it is fair to wonder if that still applies if they make it all in singles.

With all of this testosterone-fueled madness going on, Washington clanked his first free throw off the back of the rim. That shouldn’t have been too surprising.

This particular sight would cause anyone to miss, regardless of how good their free throw percentage might be.

In fact, we now have a new phrase to compliment a guy’s six-pack: “Instant Shaqification.”

With the stands abuzz, the RedHawks eventually pulled away to defeat SMU 89-79. While most of the nation was seeing the shirtless Miami fans in action for the first time, this was merely the latest instance of Speedo Nation spurring their team on to victory.

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According to the basketball gurus at TMZ Sports, RedHawks fans first pulled off this trick in a game against UMass on Jan. 27 and after Miami won, they decided to make it a tradition.

Thanks in part to the Speedo-clad beefcakery, the team finished the season with a record of 31-1.

Then after beating SMU, the RedHawks moved on to the second round of the tournament with a game Friday at 4:25 p.m. ET against Tennessee — during which every gay fan will be rooting for Miami to commit as many fouls as possible.

If the magic continues and the RedHawks go all the way, this might be the first time in NCAA history where the Most Outstanding Player gets awarded to a swimmer.

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