Miller sparks Kentucky to rout of Coppin State

Kentucky hopes to pop the celebratory champagne with a New Year's Eve victory at archrival Louisville. But first came a victory over Coppin State Tuesday night that could be summed up as Miller Time.

At long last, Darius Miller dived for loose balls, surely gave himself a few floor burns and generally exerted himself. All that hustle set a we're-not-dreaming-of-sugar-plums tone as Kentucky routed Coppin State 91-61.

"Loved it, loved it," UK Coach John Calipari said when asked about Miller letting fans see him sweat. "I loved it. That's as good as he's played in a long time. And the main thing was, he got aggressive."

Miller scored only one first-half basket and finished the game with seven points. So what? This game, especially the opening 20 minutes, showed how much impact a player can have without scoring.

Long implored, cajoled and begged to be more aggressive, Miller finally responded.

Michelle Malkin Charlies Angels Rose Byrne Willa Ford Desiree Dymond