Brandon Miller was more like his usual self on Saturday night in Birmingham.

Alabama’s star forward has recently dealt with a groin injury. On Thursday, Miller went scoreless in 19 minutes of playing time in No. 1 seed UA’s first-round game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. In the Crimson Tide’s win over No. 8 seed Maryland on Saturday, Miller played 34 minutes, scoring 19 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.

“I’m 100%,” Miller told reporters after Saturday’s game. “It’s just the preparation. … So I think it’s the biggest thing was the preparation coming into this game.”

Miller discussed the physical and mental prep to play for a trip to the Sweet 16.

“I think the biggest thing coming into this game is just preparation,” Miller said. “Things you put in your body. Things how you — just come out and get loose with your team. And I came out with a lot of energy. The energy me and my teammates needed to get a win over a great team.”

Miller did not play the final 14 minutes of Alabama’s first-round win, telling Nate Oats to only play him if needed after an early exit in the 2nd half. Saturday was a different story.

“It felt great, just being out there,” Miller said. “It’s just a blessing just being out there. I think growing up as a kid — for all kids, it’s a dream for them. To be here is just a blessing to be here to play and compete with my team.”

Miller will next be competing in Louisville when Alabama faces No. 5 seed San Diego State in the Sweet 16.