In a turn of events that can only be described as wildly entertaining, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks made headlines during their First Four NCAA Tournament game against Southern Methodist University. As SMU’s Corey Washington stepped to the free-throw line, a rowdy group of RedHawks fans clad in nothing but Speedos, swim caps, and goggles rushed the aisle behind the basket, instantly transforming what could have been a typical moment into a spectacle of hilarity. The distraction worked; Washington missed his first free throw, opening a floodgate of momentum for Miami.
This cheeky tradition initiated by Miami’s men’s swimming team has been building since late January, but this marked its national debut on the tournament stage. The RedHawks capitalized on the ensuing chaos, ripping through the game with energy that propelled them to an 89-79 victory. With such a confident performance, this atypical cheering section has not only redefined fan support but also revealed a fun-loving identity that could very well inspire a new wave of traditions in college basketball. Who knew that swimsuits could lead to such a resounding win?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.