“(They) understand the game,” he said. “They support (it).”

Izzo said an alumnus sent him an article to read about how MSU’s arrival at Carver Arena is the biggest thing to happen there in 10 years.

“I’m not sure we’re that big, or maybe they don’t have a lot of things that have happened there,” Izzo said with a smile.

Izzo said Bradley’s offense revolves around ball screens.

“There are a lot of random ones, a lot of quick ones,” he said. “They are very good at it; they do a very good job of disguising them.”

The Braves have not hosted a top-10 team since 1982, when they defeated No. 8 Tulsa, 82-79. However, Bradley has won 29 consecutive nonconference home games.

After Saturday’s victory against Jacksonville, senior guard Drew Neitzel said Bradley was a great team last year. MSU got off to a quick start, taking them out of the game early before winning 82-53.

“We’re not taking it for granted or taking it lightly at all,” Neitzel said. “We know it’s going to be a dog fight especially going down there. We’ve heard it’s pretty hostile, so we’re excited for the challenge.”

A tough schedule

Izzo said he takes full responsibility for the team’s difficult nonconference schedule.

“I do think there is a benefit going on the road playing in tough places with some of our young guys,” he said. “The different style (of play) is what does excite me, even though it frustrates me at times at practice. I think it will prepare us more and more.”

Izzo said this week is similar to a Big Ten week — but in December. After Bradley, MSU travels to Salt Lake City to compete against No. 20 BYU.

“Bradley is very good, and BYU could be as good as anyone we play in the nonconference,” he said. “This is a big week, probably even tougher than a Big Ten week because both games are on the road a week before finals.”

With a difficult test ahead, sophomore forward Raymar Morgan said the team will try to focus on defense, rebounding and pushing the ball.

Walk on

For the second contest in a row, freshman walk-on guard Mike Kebler made it into the game for the Spartans.

Without his four-rebound effort in the two minutes Kebler played, Izzo said the Spartans may not have out-rebounded Jacksonville.

“It’s exciting,” Kebler said. “It’s really nice to play in front of crowds this big. I’m just trying not to make myself look stupid. I’ve always dreamed about playing at State.”

He did have a chance to touch the ball on the offensive shot, but his jump shot was blocked and never made it to the basket. After the play, Kebler couldn’t help but smile.

“That one shot, I wasn’t too focused on the defense,” he said. “I was pretty focused on getting my shot off.”

Joey Nowak contributed to this report.