Worth the replay?

Wednesday, November 12's games ranked by how good they turned out to be: late drama, comebacks, lead swaps and overtime. No scores, no winners, so you can decide what to watch without spoilers.

Best games of the season →
  1. #1
    S IllinoisatNevada
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  2. #2
    SamfordatTexas Southern
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  3. #3
    UC San DiegoatFresno St
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 69

  4. #4
    North TexasatOregon St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 69

  5. #5
    TulsaatOral Roberts
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 67

  6. #6
    Long Beach StatPacific
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 87 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 65

  7. #7
    Montana StatStanford
    CBB· ACCNXDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 83 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 62

  8. #8
    UT MartinatBradley
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 82 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 62

  9. #9
    NichollsatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 79 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 59

  10. #10
    MercyhurstatCanisius
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 76 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 57

  11. #11
    IdahoatSan Diego
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 70 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 53

  12. #12
    ManhattanatUtah Tech
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 69 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 52

  13. #13
    Purdue FWatW Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 56 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 42

  14. #14
    DartmouthatBryant
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    41/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 41

  15. #15
    MTSUatEvansville
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 53 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 40

  16. #16
    S Dakota StatOregon
    CBB· Peacock
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 39 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 29

  17. #17
    SienaatSt Bonaventure
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 31 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 23

  18. #18
    MinnesotaatMissouri
    CBB· SECN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 21

  19. #19
    ElonatMarshall
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 27 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 21

  20. #20
    UTSAatTexas St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 26 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  21. #21
    N KentuckyatETSU
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 19 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 15

  22. #22
    James MadisonatLongwood
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 19 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 14

  23. #23
    Weber StatUtah State
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 18 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 14

  24. #24
    S IndianaatSouth Dakota
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 13

  25. #25
    Little RockatMarquette
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 13 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 10

  26. #26
    Saint Joseph'satVirginia Tech
    CBB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  27. #27
    Portland StatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  28. #28
    Bluefield StatNC Central
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  29. #29
    BrownatBoston U
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  30. #30
    E WashingtonatSeattle U
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  31. #31
    UNC GreensboroatNC State
    CBB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 4

  32. #32
    North FloridaatTennessee
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 4

  33. #33
    Prairie ViewatOklahoma St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 4

  34. #34
    Saint Peter'satVCU
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 3

  35. #35
    Emmanuel (MA)atNew Hampshire
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  36. #36
    PSU ShenangoatAkron
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  37. #37
    AmericanatG Washington
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  38. #38
    Westminster UTatUtah Valley
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  39. #39
    FDUatTexas
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  40. #40
    VA LynchburgatVMI
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 2 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 1

  41. #41
    Cal PolyatColorado St
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 1

  42. #42
    BinghamtonatGeorgetown
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  43. #43
    OaklandatHouston
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  44. #44
    PointatKennesaw St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  45. #45
    Bob JonesatSC Upstate
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  46. #46
    PresbyterianatSouth Carolina
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  47. #47
    HanoveratBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  48. #48
    Coppin StatSouth Florida
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  49. #49
    MilwaukeeatIndiana
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  50. #50
    VassaratMarist
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  51. #51
    WebsteratSE Missouri
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  52. #52
    St ScholasticaatN Dakota St
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  53. #53
    E KentuckyatVanderbilt
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  54. #54
    Miss Valley StatHawai'i
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

Ranked from each game's win probability as it was played (ESPN's for football and basketball; ours, from the goals, for hockey): how in doubt it was near the end, how far the winner came back from, how late it was decided, how big its momentum swings were and how often a team erased a deficit, with a bonus for overtime. That drama is then weighted by how good a matchup it was going in (its pre-game Watchability score), so a thriller between top teams ranks above an equally wild game between minor ones.

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