Tournament time takes a toll on coaches. It’s evident as they get ready to start their teams practicing for the NCAA tournament regional semifinals.

The players? Doing just fine.

Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin had a raspy voice and a tired tone Tuesday. The Bearcats returned from their win over Florida State in Nashville at 6 a.m. on Monday. Players had the day mostly free while the coaches dissected video of Ohio State _ their opponent on Thursday _ and formed a game plan.

Something has to give, and it’s sleep.

“The coaching staff has been working, but we’ve got all summer to rest,” he said.

What about his players?

“The players are good,” Cronin said. “The players don’t watch film. They don’t have to deal with the travel (arrangements) and the tickets and film and preparation. They’re good.

“College kids don’t sleep anyway. I don’t know if the parents know that out there. College kids have got a lot more energy than people realize.”

Xavier got back from its NCAA tournament win around 3 a.m. on Monday. Same thing there: coach Chris Mack appeared tired on Tuesday, senior point guard Tu Holloway sounded fresh.

“We’re used to this,” Holloway said. “We’re used to the traveling. We know the schedule. It’s fun staying in the hotels and ordering room service and things like that, watching basketball. It’s good. The most important thing is we’re winning games, so it makes it more fun.”