Worth the replay?

Wednesday, December 3'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
    CoastalatSC Upstate
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 100 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 75

  2. #2
    AR-Pine BluffatUIC
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  3. #3
    MarshallatUNC Wilmington
    CBBDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  4. #4
    North AlabamaatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 97 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  5. #5
    S IllinoisatHigh Point
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 71

  6. #6
    New HampshireatDartmouth
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  7. #7
    RichmondatBelmont
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  8. #8
    DrexelatAmerican
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 90 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 68

  9. #9
    Wright StatYoungstown St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  10. #10
    NC CentralatJames Madison
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  11. #11
    IndianaatMinnesota
    CBB· BTNBig comeback
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 86 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 65

  12. #12
    E WashingtonatDenver
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 64

  13. #13
    St ThomasatMontana St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 64

  14. #14
    Tennessee TechatLipscomb
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  15. #15
    Texas StatRice
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  16. #16
    Sacred HeartatMount St Marys
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 80 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 60

  17. #17
    N ColoradoatOmaha
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 80 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 60

  18. #18
    ClemsonatAlabama
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  19. #19
    UCLAatWashington
    CBB· BTNDown to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 75 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 56

  20. #20
    FGCUatFIU
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 75 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 56

  21. #21
    N Dakota StatMontana
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 71 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 53

  22. #22
    Southern MissatRadford
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    Austin PeayatKent State
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 70 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 52

  24. #24
    PresbyterianatWofford
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 68 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  25. #25
    Ball StateatEvansville
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 67 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  26. #26
    Idaho StatKansas City
    CBBBack and forth
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 65 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 49

  27. #27
    HofstraatColumbia
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 47

  28. #28
    FurmanatElon
    CBBBig comeback
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 47

  29. #29
    LouisianaatLamar
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 60 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 45

  30. #30
    PrincetonatMonmouth
    CBB
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 44

  31. #31
    Utah ValleyatSan Diego St
    CBB
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 42

  32. #32
    HarvardatUMass
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  33. #33
    NavyatDelaware St
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 49 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 37

  34. #34
    Portland StatSouth Dakota
    CBB
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 48 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 36

  35. #35
    LouisvilleatArkansas
    CBB· ESPN
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 48 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 36

  36. #36
    Louisiana TechatGA Southern
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 47 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 36

  37. #37
    S Dakota StatN Arizona
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 35 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 26

  38. #38
    CornellatTowson
    CBB
    D
    24/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 32 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 24

  39. #39
    E KentuckyatIllinois St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 30 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 23

  40. #40
    NC StateatAuburn
    CBB· ESPN
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 22

  41. #41
    Tennessee StatAlabama A&M
    CBB
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 22

  42. #42
    NortheasternatHoly Cross
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 26 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 20

  43. #43
    VirginiaatTexas
    CBB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  44. #44
    Cleveland StatN Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 24 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

  45. #45
    Miss Valley StatUL Monroe
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 23 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

  46. #46
    UT Rio GrandeatSF Austin
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 16

  47. #47
    Mississippi StatGeorgia Tech
    CBB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 21 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 16

  48. #48
    IU IndyatDetroit Mercy
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  49. #49
    MaineatOhio
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  50. #50
    Purdue FWatOakland
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 15 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 11

  51. #51
    S IndianaatW Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 15 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 11

  52. #52
    SMUatVanderbilt
    CBB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 12 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 9

  53. #53
    North DakotaatIdaho
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 8

  54. #54
    Little RockatC Arkansas
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  55. #55
    BucknellatAkron
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  56. #56
    Loyola MDatHampton
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  57. #57
    PacificatAir Force
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  58. #58
    VermontatOregon St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  59. #59
    C ConnecticutatSeton Hall
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ 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) = 4

  60. #60
    NorthwesternatWisconsin
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

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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