California has spent the past several seasons attempting to rebuild its reputation as a nationally relevant college basketball program. Mark Madsen has made progress restoring competitiveness in Berkeley, but the Golden Bears still have work to do before they can establish themselves among the ACC's consistent NCAA Tournament contenders. Wednesday night's victory over Radford offered a glimpse of an offensive approach that could help accelerate that process.
The Golden Bears defeated Radford 84–70 at Haas Pavilion, setting a school record with 17 made three-pointers. Junior transfer Nojus Indrusaitis delivered the biggest individual performance, scoring a career-high 30 points while connecting on six shots from beyond the arc.
Those numbers were especially encouraging for a California team integrating nine newcomers. Building chemistry with a significantly different roster can be difficult, but the Golden Bears demonstrated an ability to create quality perimeter opportunities while sharing the basketball effectively.
Wednesday's performance doesn't guarantee California will become one of the ACC's best offensive teams. It does, however, provide an intriguing indication of what Madsen's rebuilt roster might be capable of accomplishing.
Another dub! 📸#GoBears | #ThroughAndThrough pic.twitter.com/Gvo66SZ5zp
— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) November 5, 2026
Seventeen three-pointers tell an interesting story
California attempted 35 shots from beyond the arc and converted 17, establishing a new program record. The Golden Bears also recorded 23 assists, an encouraging number for a team still developing its offensive chemistry.
Indrusaitis was the centerpiece of the performance, making six three-pointers and finishing with 30 points. Michael Cooper added 16 points and Jake Wilkins contributed 13, giving California three players in double figures.
The Golden Bears made nine three-pointers during the opening half and entered the break with a 45–37 advantage. Radford remained competitive, however, and eventually reduced the deficit to one point with 12:40 remaining.
That stretch created an important early test. California could have allowed its offensive momentum to disappear, particularly with so many newcomers still adjusting to their responsibilities.
Instead, the Golden Bears regained control through timely shooting and improved execution. Indrusaitis continued to provide scoring, and California eventually established enough separation to secure a comfortable victory.
The transfer portal may have delivered a difference-maker
Indrusaitis' early production is especially important because California needs dependable offensive contributors after another offseason of roster changes.
Madsen added five transfers and four freshmen, creating a group with considerable potential but limited experience playing together. The challenge will be developing consistency before ACC competition begins.
Indrusaitis has already provided an encouraging answer. His 30-point performance followed another game in which he reached 20 points, demonstrating an ability to assume a significant offensive role immediately.
California also has reasons to believe the program is moving in the right direction. The Golden Bears won 22 games last season, their highest total since 2016, and recorded a postseason victory for the first time since 2014.
Maintaining that progress will require more than occasional impressive shooting performances, but identifying a reliable scorer could make a substantial difference.
Indrusaitis has an opportunity to become that player.
Houston will reveal how dangerous California really is
The Golden Bears won't have to wait long for a more demanding examination. California is scheduled to face Houston on Sunday in the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic, creating an immediate opportunity to test its offensive approach against one of college basketball's strongest defensive programs.
That game should provide a clearer indication of how effectively California can generate perimeter opportunities against elite competition.
There are also concerns to address before the schedule becomes more difficult. Radford outrebounded California 38–25, a significant disadvantage that could become particularly costly against opponents with greater size and athleticism.
The Golden Bears also cannot expect to make nearly half their three-point attempts every night. Developing more reliable interior scoring and improving their rebounding will be important if they hope to compete consistently in the ACC.
Still, Wednesday's performance offered a reason for optimism.
California has a school shooting record, an emerging offensive centerpiece and a roster beginning to establish its identity. For a program attempting to return to national relevance, that's an encouraging way to begin the season.
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