Worth the replay?

Saturday, December 13'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
    W IllinoisatNorth Dakota
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    S IllinoisatRichmond
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    West VirginiaatOhio State
    CBB· ESPNUOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    St BonaventureatOhio
    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

  5. #5
    KansasatNC State
    CBB· ESPNOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 71

  6. #6
    Arkansas StatRice
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  7. #7
    N IllinoisatElon
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  8. #8
    ToledoatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  9. #9
    ProvidenceatButler
    CBB· TNT/truTVOvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  10. #10
    HofstraatSyracuse
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 93 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  11. #11
    Tennessee StatUNLV
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 93 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  12. #12
    Wright StatMarshall
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  13. #13
    Arizona StatSanta Clara
    CBB· TNT/truTVDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  14. #14
    UICatBelmont
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  15. #15
    NebraskaatIllinois
    CBB· PeacockDown to the wire
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  16. #16
    Delaware StatLongwood
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  17. #17
    SE LouisianaatHou Christian
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 88 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  18. #18
    DePaulatWichita St
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 88 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  19. #19
    Michigan StatPenn State
    CBB· BTNDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  20. #20
    Jax StateatGeorgia St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 84 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  21. #21
    UTEPatHawai'i
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 84 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  22. #22
    UNC WilmingtonatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  23. #23
    Texas TechatArkansas
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  24. #24
    HamptonatHoward
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  25. #25
    DuquesneatNevada
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 77 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  26. #26
    MerceratClemson
    CBB· ACCNXDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 77 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  27. #27
    Kansas StatCreighton
    CBB· Fox
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  28. #28
    N'Western StatCalifornia
    CBB· ACCNXDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 74 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 55

  29. #29
    Saint Peter'satGeorgetown
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    C+
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 73 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 55

  30. #30
    La SalleatLong Island
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  31. #31
    Southern MissatOle Miss
    CBB· SECN+
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  32. #32
    PepperdineatBakersfield
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    UMass LowellatQuinnipiac
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    OklahomaatOklahoma St
    CBB· Fox
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 61 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 46

  35. #35
    StanfordatSan José St
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    OaklandatNorthern Iowa
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Illinois StatUtah State
    CBB· YouTube
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 57 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 43

  38. #38
    Old DominionatGeorge Mason
    CBB
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 57 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 42

  39. #39
    Montana StatOregon St
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  40. #40
    N ArizonaatSan Diego
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  41. #41
    UMassatFlorida St
    CBB· ACC Network
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  42. #42
    CincinnatiatGeorgia
    CBB· ESPNUBack and forth
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 52 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 39

  43. #43
    IndianaatKentucky
    CBB· ESPN
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  44. #44
    N KentuckyatBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  45. #45
    San FranciscoatSaint Louis
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    32/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 43 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 32

  46. #46
    N Dakota StatDrake
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 42 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 31

  47. #47
    Mount St MarysatLoyola MD
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 31

  48. #48
    MichiganatMaryland
    CBB· FoxBack and forth
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  49. #49
    MaristatBryant
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    28/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 38 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 28

  50. #50
    NiagaraatMorgan St
    CBB
    D
    28/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 37 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 28

  51. #51
    ArizonaatAlabama
    CBB· ESPNBack and forth
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  52. #52
    Sacred HeartatNJIT
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  53. #53
    CanisiusatMaine
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 25

  54. #54
    UCLAatGonzaga
    CBB· ESPN
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  55. #55
    SMUatLSU
    CBB· SEC Network
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  56. #56
    Prairie ViewatSouth Dakota
    CBB
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 30 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 22

  57. #57
    GA SouthernatWest Georgia
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  58. #58
    St ThomasatUNC Asheville
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 28 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 21

  59. #59
    Murray StatAkron
    CBB
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  60. #60
    C ConnecticutatBinghamton
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

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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