Worth the replay?

Wednesday, December 17'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
    Youngstown StatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown 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
    South AlabamaatUL Monroe
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    Montana TechatMontana
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  4. #4
    VanderbiltatMemphis
    CBB· ESPN2OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    RichmondatElon
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  6. #6
    North TexasatSanta Clara
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 87 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  7. #7
    StonehillatNew Hampshire
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 87 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  8. #8
    Northern IowaatUIC
    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

  9. #9
    E KentuckyatJax State
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  10. #10
    The CitadelatCharleston
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  11. #11
    OaklandatN Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  12. #12
    Seattle UatUC Davis
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 77 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 57

  13. #13
    Santa BarbaraatGreen Bay
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 72 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 54

  14. #14
    LongwoodatWake Forest
    CBB· ACCNXDown to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 71 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 54

  15. #15
    Kennesaw StatMTSU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  16. #16
    ChattanoogaatBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 58 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 43

  17. #17
    Texas A&M-CCatSF Austin
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  18. #18
    UAlbanyatStony Brook
    CBBBig comeback
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  19. #19
    JacksonvilleatFlorida A&M
    CBB
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  20. #20
    GeorgetownatMarquette
    CBB· FS1Big comeback
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 54 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 40

  21. #21
    Portland StatColorado
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  22. #22
    James MadisonatOld Dominion
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 39 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 30

  23. #23
    Sam HoustonatOregon St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 36 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 27

  24. #24
    Louisiana TechatTulane
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  25. #25
    Dakota StatSouth Dakota
    CBB
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  26. #26
    Arkansas StatTexas St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    MD EasternatWagner
    CBB
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  28. #28
    WoffordatWichita St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 23 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 17

  29. #29
    CreightonatXavier
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 17

  30. #30
    Weber StatUtah Valley
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  31. #31
    Brewton ParkeratWest Georgia
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  32. #32
    South FloridaatAlabama
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    PresbyterianatEast Carolina
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 12

  34. #34
    Cleveland StatUAB
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  35. #35
    Hou ChristianatNicholls
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    Arizona StatUCLA
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  37. #37
    Washington StatE Washington
    CBB· YouTubeOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 9

  38. #38
    SienaatVermont
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    UTSAatUSC
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  40. #40
    QuinnipiacatMonmouth
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 8

  41. #41
    Air ForceatSan Diego St
    CBB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ 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) = 4

  42. #42
    UT ArlingtonatStanford
    CBB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  43. #43
    MerceratUCF
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  44. #44
    OlivetatC Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ 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) = 2

  45. #45
    Champ ChrstnatAR-Pine Bluff
    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

  46. #46
    Mid Atl ChrstnatNC Central
    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

  47. #47
    Alabama A&MatOle Miss
    CBB· SECN+One-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

  48. #48
    MercyhurstatSyracuse
    CBB· ACCNXOne-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

  49. #49
    Loyola ChicagoatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+One-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

  50. #50
    CampbellatGonzaga
    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
    Saint FrancisatFlorida
    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

  52. #52
    Kansas ChrstnatC Arkansas
    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

  53. #53
    SW Christian UatRice
    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

  54. #54
    S WesleyanatSC 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

  55. #55
    Alabama StatCincinnati
    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

  56. #56
    BinghamtonatPitt
    CBB· ACCNXOne-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

  57. #57
    Texas SouthernatNC State
    CBB· ACCNXOne-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

  58. #58
    BethuneatSaint Louis
    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

  59. #59
    PortlandatOregon
    CBB· BTNOne-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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