But being the student-athlete he is, Costello woke up two hours later and went to class, before returning to Breslin Center that afternoon for basketball practice.

"It's been a long two days," Costello said.

It's been that kind of season lately for MSU, as they are currently in the midst of a stretch, which when it's all said and done will include seven games in 15 days. 

What started as a 79-73 victory over Kansas on Nov. 17 in Chicago, was followed by a 92-46 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and continued with a busy four-game week, where the Spartans finished with a Wooden Legacy championship in California.

But MSU's busy stretch doesn't stop there, as they'll turn right back around and take on the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals (5-0) Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Breslin Center.

The team, however, is up for the challenge the undefeated Cardinals present them.

"I'm sure guys are a little bit tired," sophomore guard Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. said. "But you know what, that's okay. That's what we love to do so we just got to grind it out physically and mentally and come prepared to play on Wednesday."

There's no doubt MSU is off to a fast start this year, a 7-0 start which has helped skyrocket them from the No. 13 to No. 3 team in the nation. 

Even MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo said he's been impressed with the start. And while he also said his team still has a long way to go, he recognizes things will take time as they maneuver their through their current tough stretch.

"The seven games in 15 days, with the travel of Chicago and this, and still going to school is a little much to ask of anybody," Izzo said. "It's difficult. I do feel for them. I mean this has been brutal."

However, having said all that, Izzo also went on to say that this tough stretch of games can go a long way in helping his team later on this season.

"They get through it, you get into those tournaments, the Big Ten Tournament ... or the NCAA Tournament ... I think these will be good experiences for them and I think it can really benefit them," Izzo said. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Right now, this will be a good test for us because it's going to be against a quality team (Louisville). ... One of our goals was to win the preseason tournament and we accomplished that, but having big games at home and winning those big games is also one of our goals so we just keep moving forward."

But no matter how tired the team might feel right now, they aren't making any excuses and are focused on the next team up.

"We're a little bit fatigued but it's still the beginning of the season and we got no reason to be too tired," junior guard Eron Harris said. "Like I said, we're not normal human beings. We're student athletes, so we're not going to make no excuses."