CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Patience is not something that just comes to people. It's a trait that must first be learned then cultivated until it becomes part of the individual psyche. And there's no question that the character quality belongs to both Head Coach Sydney Johnson and freshman Calvin Whipple. For Johnson, the patience continues to help his young team develop. For Whipple, the patience allowed him to wait for his turn, knowing that opportunity would come his way.

Today that opportunity came to Whipple and he took full advantage by netting seven three-point field goals and scoring a team-high 21 points as the Stags nearly upset ACC opponent Boston College at Conte Forum before succumbing 77-67. This game was another white-knuckle ride to which the coaching staff and fans have become accustomed. Fairfield trailed by only four points, 71-67, with two minutes remaining and had possession of the ball. But a three-point try fell off the rim and Boston College scored the next six points off that miss and went on to win the game.

"I think our patience has been paying off and we are seeing some of that over the last few games," Coach Johnson said. "We are playing really good teams. And if we were to drive these guys into the ground when they are diving for loose balls, taking charges, listening to coaching and not putting their heads down, then we would be dead wrong. I think we are in sync. I really respect these guys for the effort they are giving us. They are getting incrementally better each game. I really think this team is playing much, much better and will continue to grow."

Part of that growth has been the Fairfield newcomers who have been learning on the fly and are becoming more and more experienced against quality opponents who test the collective every game. Today, Whipple was the Fairfield freshman who took center stage by putting on a scoring showcase that not only pleased his coaches and teammates but the many family and friends who made their way to watch the Massachusetts native play.

 "I had a lot family and friends in the stands today and it's the closest we have played to my home so I wanted to go out there and compete and get a win," Whipple said. "I played a good game but in the end the team lost so we just need to keep trying and getting better every day."

Whipple played 54 minutes over six appearances before today's game so his 34 minutes on the floor today was a welcome change for the forward. After playing at one of the top prep programs in Northfield-Mount Hermon, Whipple knew he had the ability to contribute at Fairfield. All he needed was the patience to wait for his chance which just so happened to come today.

"Patience is a skill," Whipple said. "Thankfully my time at Northfield Mount Hermon taught to be patient when I was playing behind really talented players.  That helped me to learn to always be ready and perform when I get that opportunity."

Whipple was front and center in several Fairfield rallies that kept the team competitive against Boston College, which improve to 8-2 with today's victory. With the Stags facing a 9-2 deficit, Whipple netted the first of his seven three pointers to cut the lead to 9-5. Fairfield used the long-range jumper throughout the game to stay within striking distance, finishing the contest with 14 baskets behind the line on 40 attempts.

And, it was Whipple who pushed Fairfield in front of the Eagles with another three-point field goal, making the score 23-21 with seven minutes left in the half. When Boston College regained the lead, Whipple stepped up once again and made his fourth three-point field goal of the half that gave Fairfield a 28-27 edge at the 3:17 mark. The Stags still held the lead at 31-29 after Wassef Methnani joined the three-point parade, his only attempt from the behind the line this afternoon.

Boston College closed out the half with five straight points to take a 34-31 lead into the locker room despite Fairfield shooting 42 percent from three-point range (7 of 17) and holding the Eagles' top scorer Ky Bowman without a field goal (0 for 6 from the floor).

The Eagles opened the second half by outscoring the Stags 15-5 over the first five minutes to take their biggest lead of the game, 49-36. Fairfield found its footing and scored the next seven points to make the game more manageable at 49-43 as Aidas Kavalauskas highlighted the run with a three-point shot.

The home team ran the lead back to double digits at 61-49 with nine minutes left in the game. The lead remained in double figures with six minutes left before Whipple, who had not made a three-point shot in the first 14 minutes of the second half, regained his touch and posted three long-range jumpers over the final six minutes. The last of those shots made the score 71-67 with 1:55 on the clock.

Those points would be the last for the Stags which enabled Boston College to come away with the win.

Jonathan Kasibabu, who entered today's game with back-to-back double-doubles, must missed a third straight with his nine points and 10 rebounds. Jesus Cruz also reached double figures for Fairfield with a majority of his 10 points coming in the paint with crafty drives to the basket.

Chris Herren Jr. led all Boston College scores with 22 points while Wynston Tabbs posted 20 markers in support of the cause.

"I think we had a slow start and were slow to react in the first four minutes of the game," Coach Johnson said. "After that, I thought they played hard and had some passionate play. The effort was outstanding especially since we had a lot of young guys out there. . I know we want wins and I think those are coming."

With the effort and improvement being exhibited by the Stags, all it will take is just a little more patience.