Worth the replay?

Tuesday, December 16'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
    NC A&TatUNC Greensboro
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  2. #2
    Oral RobertsatMissouri St
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  3. #3
    Sacred HeartatUMass Lowell
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  4. #4
    UC San DiegoatLMU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  5. #5
    Long IslandatMississippi St
    CBB· SECN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  6. #6
    Montana StatCal Poly
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  7. #7
    HowardatDrexel
    CBB
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  8. #8
    SouthernatCA Baptist
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  9. #9
    RideratDelaware
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  10. #10
    SC UpstateatSC State
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  11. #11
    BelmontatEvansville
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  12. #12
    N ColoradoatTexas Tech
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 46 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 34

  13. #13
    DartmouthatHoly Cross
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 27 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 20

  14. #14
    Miami OHatWright St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  15. #15
    LouisvilleatTennessee
    CBB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 20 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 15

  16. #16
    UT Rio GrandeatLamar
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 20 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 15

  17. #17
    CanisiusatRhode Island
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  18. #18
    South CarolinaatClemson
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  19. #19
    MaristatGeorgia Tech
    CBB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 12

  20. #20
    Little RockatMorehead St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 12

  21. #21
    FIUatMiami
    CBB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 14 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 10

  22. #22
    ButleratUConn
    CBB· Peacock/NBCSNOne-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    Tarleton StatMiss Valley St
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  24. #24
    LipscombatDuke
    CBB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  25. #25
    KCUatUNC Asheville
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  26. #26
    DePaulatSt John's
    CBB· PeacockOne-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

  27. #27
    ETSUatNorth Carolina
    CBB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  28. #28
    Florida StatDayton
    CBB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 3

  29. #29
    Chicago StatBowling Green
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  30. #30
    QueensatArkansas
    CBB· SEC NetworkOne-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

  31. #31
    ValparaisoatNorthwestern
    CBB· PeacockOne-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

  32. #32
    Abilene ChrstnatArizona
    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

  33. #33
    ToledoatMichigan St
    CBB· PeacockOne-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

  34. #34
    PacificatBYU
    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

  35. #35
    TowsonatKansas
    CBB· ESPN2One-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

  36. #36
    MidwayatLiberty
    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

  37. #37
    Miami Mid'townatIU Indy
    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

  38. #38
    Ohio WesleyanatOhio
    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

  39. #39
    Mary BaldwinatHigh Point
    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

  40. #40
    Kansas CityatOklahoma
    CBB· SEC NetworkOne-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

  41. #41
    York (NE)atOmaha
    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

  42. #42
    Le MoyneatTexas
    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

  43. #43
    East WestatN Illinois
    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
    UC Col SpringsatDenver
    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

  45. #45
    StantonatUC Riverside
    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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