One of Kentucky’s 1978 ‘Twin Towers,’ Mike Phillips, dies

MADISONVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Mike Phillips, a standout basketball player at the University of Kentucky in the 1970s, has died in western Kentucky. He was 59.

Barnett-Strother Funeral Home confirmed Philips’ death. The Hopkins County coroner’s office is investigating the cause of death but told WFIE-TV that Phillips died after a fall Saturday at his home in Madisonville.

Phillips and Rick Robey were known as the "Twin Towers" on the 1978 championship team that went 30-2 and beat Duke in the NCAA final. The Courier-Journal reported Phillips was an Ohio native who averaged more than 10 points a game during the season and finished 25th on UK’s all-time scoring list.

Former coach Joe B. Hall told the Lexington Herald-Leader that Phillips was courageous and tough and a "gentle giant."

©2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.