Preseason Epic: Fagan's USC beats Cal's Aussie trio

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It's not even the season proper yet and already star Aussie college stars are going head-to-head.

In a Californian derby, it was Sitaya Fagan's University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, who just beat Aussie trio Lulu Twidale, Ruby Perkins and Zara Russell from the University of California 78-76 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The clash was the first glimpse of what's to come in Fagan's freshman season with USC, where she played 21 minutes, and while she never had the best performance from the field, the Frankston Blues junior had a significant impact in the paint defensively as she blocked three shots.

But it was also a glimpse into what's to come for other Aussies.

Twidale, a Sunshine Coast junior from Queensland, starred for the Golden Bears with 25 points and nine rebounds as she prepares to lead her team in her final season of college basketball.

The shooting guard went within a basket of leading California to a pre-season upset but it set for a big senior year before becoming hot property as she transitions to the professional level.

It was also the start of the NCAA journey for two other Aussies, who will be Twidale's teammates for season 2026-27, in freshman Perkins as well as Fagan's former teammate at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Russell.

Perkins, a Norths junior from New South Wales, played 31 minutes for the Golden Bears for nine points and going 2-from-6 from beyond the arc as well as grabbing five rebounds.

The combo guard was a star junior for New South Wales, helping them to two National Championships gold medals in under-18 and under-20 competitions, and played last NBL1 East season for Hornsby.

Russell, an ACT product who represented Australian junior teams throughout the age groups, is also entering her first season of college basketball and played 19 minites for the Golden Bears against the Trojans.

The athletic forward was efficient from the field, going 2-from-3 and 2-from-2 from the three point line, and also grabbing five rebounds in the contest.

Russell has always been known as a dynamic athlete with a great ability to defend multiple positions but she has already shown an improved shot from distance, which will provide her a massive boost heading into her freshman year.

While Fagan has had the spotlight on her after committing to join USC, and there's no wonder why given she made her Australian Opals debut at just 18-years-old, the trio from California are also expected to shine brightly under the lights of college basketball.

Another Aussie young gun is also set to join California next season after Queensland star and Bendigo Spirit player Olivia Olechnowicz announced her commitment to the university.