Wait, What Did Ted Cruz Just Call A Basketball Hoop?

Ted Cruz is a noted movie buff but this week’s attempt at recreating a powerful moment from a legendary film was more of an air ball than a swish. That’s because when you’re in Indiana and you’re referencing the movie Hoosiers in a state known for its die-hard basketball fanaticism, calling it a basket ring rather than hoop will get you some flak.

While campaigning in Knightstown, Indiana, Cruz tried to fire up the rally with a nod to the Gene Hackman classic based on the true story of a small-town team that made the state finals in 1954. When Hackman and the boys walk onto the championship court he helps ease their nerves by measuring the height of the goal saying, “Ten feet. I think you’ll find that’s the exact same measurements as our gym back in Hickory.” (Click above for the movie clip)

WaPo reports,

“Here’s Ted Cruz’s version: “You know, the amazing thing about that basketball ring here in Indiana, it’s the same height as it is in New York City and every other place in this country. And there is nothing that Hoosiers cannot do.”

This isn’t the first time Cruz has dipped into his movie knowledge bag on the campaign trail. In the clip below, while defending against Trump’s attack on his wife, Cruz takes a page right out of the Michael Douglas film, The American President…

But the most impressive Cruz recreation is his uncanny impression of Billy Crystal’s Miracle Max character from The Princess Bride. (the transformation starts at the @1:28 mark)….

Exit thought from The Princess Bride‘s Mandy Patinkin whose criticism of Ted Cruz will only make you want to vote for Cruz even more…