Final Four 2012: Darius Miller Proves Kentucky's Balance Is Their Best Weapon

Kentucky has the two best NBA prospects in the country, but their balance is the true key to their success.

The prime example of this came on Saturday night, when senior Darius Miller carried them to victory against a scrappy Louisville squad. As the seemingly invincible Wildcats looked lost and flustered against the Cardinals, it was the senior who stepped up.

Miller has played in 151 career games (tied for most in Kentucky history), but Saturday's battle was unquestionably the most important. And when his team needed him most, the veteran guard answered the call.

His numbers of 13 points, three rebounds and two steals don't sound overly impressive, but he made big plays at crucial junctures in the game. When Louisville's pressure defense was frustrating the rest of the young Wildcats, Miller delivered a couple huge buckets.

Of course, we all knew he was capable of such a game. You don't win the SEC Sixth Man of the Year by being a slouch. But the timing of Miller's strong showing was impeccable.

With Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague combining for just 23 points, Miller supplied the Wildcats with some much-needed confidence and scoring.

The Wildcats have intimidated most teams this year with their size, talent and athleticism. But against a Louisville team that simply wasn't afraid, they needed something else. They needed poise, leadership and toughness.

Luckily for them, Miller had more than enough for everybody.