Lainez and Edokpayi Tabbed as UB's Purple Knights of the Week (Jan 5-11)

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – In recognition of superb performances, both on the court and on the mat, freshman Jelene Lainez of the University of Bridgeport's women's wrestling team and graduate student Jason Edokpayi of the men's basketball squad have been named as UB's Purple Knights of the Week for the period ending Jan. 11, 2026.

Lainez turned in a dominant effort at Sunday's Alfred State Open, capturing first place at 145 pounds for the Purple Knights. The Stratford native rolled through the bracket with a perfect 4-0 record that included two pins and two technical falls. The standout effort pushed her season mark to 15-6 as she continues to build momentum during the winter campaign.

Edokpayi delivered another stellar week for the Purple Knights, averaging 22.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during Bridgeport's 1–1 stretch. He highlighted the two games by matching a career high with 27 points in just 25 minutes of action in UB's win over Caldwell. The Maryland native has now scored in double figures in nine straight games. Over that span, he is also averaging an impressive 7.7 rebounds per contest.

For all information regarding Bridgeport Athletics, visit www.UBKnights.com and follow UB Athletics on Facebook (UBPurpleKnights), X (@UBPurpleKnights) and Instagram (@UBPurpleKnights).