SALT LAKE CITY - During Friday's NCAA tournament games, CBS switched its television programming to the live coverage of the war in the Middle East. Below are the reactions from the student-athlete's and coaches on the war and the effect that it is having on the NCAA tournament.

UA associate head coach Jim Rosborough - "We spend a lot of time on the basketball court, but the bigger issue is the kids over there. My son and I have been watching the coverage all morning."

UA sophomore Salim Stoudamire - "What we're doing is nothing compared to what the troops are doing. I appreciate what they are doing for our country."

UA sophomore Channing Frye - "Our hearts go out to the soldiers. I appreciate hearing that they want us to keep playing."

UA senior Luke Walton - "I was flipping back and forth (between the games and the war coverage). It is scary what is going on over there."

UA senior point guard Jason Gardner - "This is an experience for everyone. After Bush said it was 48 hours until dropping bombs we all knew what was coming."

Gonzaga junior guard Blake Stepp - "We're playing a game right now, and there are guys my age and younger than me over in Iraq fighting for our country's freedom. Your heart is with your team, but you have to be thinking about them over there too, and all the people who are fighting to allow us to play these games. They're over there making sure that we have these opportunities."

Gonzaga sophomore and French native Ronny Turiaf - It's really tough for us to stay focused on our goal of winning each and every game. But we're also thinking about what is going on in Iraq. We came here to play the NCAA tournament; we've worked hard all year to be here. I think we've done a good job of trying to stay focused on the basketball game, but it is really tough on us."

Duke senior Dahntay Jones: That (over in Iraq) is the reality of the real world. What we're doing is secondary to the rest of the world. We're playing a sport·those guys over there are risking their lives. Yes, CBS should have switched over. We have to support those guys over there.

Compiled by Brian Penso and Maxx Wolfson