UK's Mike Phillips Dies, Member of '78 Champions

Mike Phillips, who formed the "Twin Towers" with Rick Robey on the Kentucky team that won the 1978 NCAA title, has died in western Kentucky. He was 59.



Barnett-Strother Funeral Home on Monday 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. The funeral home lists the date of death as Saturday.



In 1978, the team 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 a "gentle giant."