Arizona's Brandon Ashley out for season with foot injury

Brandon Ashley was averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds so far this season. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images) No. 1 Arizona suffered a much bigger loss in

Brandon Ashley was averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds so far this season. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

No. 1 Arizona suffered a much bigger loss in its first defeat of the season to California on Saturday night: Sophomore starting forward Brandon Ashley is out for the season with a foot injury.

"Brandon Ashley suffered a foot injury that will end his season," Arizona coach Sean Miller said in a statement, according to USA Today. "While we're all disappointed, we are also aware that Brandon needs our support and positive energy surrounding him. Someone once told me, the hottest heat forges the strongest steel. This adversity will ultimately make Brandon and our team stronger moving forward."

Ashley's injury came just two minutes into the Wildcats' shocking 60-58 loss to California on Saturday. Miller and the Wildcats had feared after the game that Ashley's injury would be season-ending.