Worth the replay?

Saturday, December 20'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
    Texas TechatDuke
    CBB· ESPNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 96 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  2. #2
    OmahaatLamar
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 96 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  3. #3
    ElonatVirginia Tech
    CBB· ACCNXOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  4. #4
    James MadisonatGA Southern
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  5. #5
    PennatRutgers
    CBB· BTNDown 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 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 71

  6. #6
    Morehead StatS Indiana
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

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

  7. #7
    South AlabamaatTexas St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  8. #8
    Utah TechatWeber St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  9. #9
    Jax StateatETSU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  10. #10
    IonaatVermont
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 90 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 67

  11. #11
    XavieratGeorgetown
    CBB· FS1Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  12. #12
    HowardatUNC Wilmington
    CBBDown 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

  13. #13
    LibertyatDayton
    CBB· USA NetDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  14. #14
    DenveratN Colorado
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  15. #15
    North CarolinaatOhio State
    CBB· CBS/Paramount+Down to the wire
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ 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) = 66

  16. #16
    Georgia StatApp State
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  17. #17
    CoastalatOld Dominion
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 86 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 64

  18. #18
    Long IslandatFIU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  19. #19
    C MichiganatN Illinois
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  20. #20
    Loyola ChicagoatSanta Clara
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  21. #21
    Fresno StatUNLV
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  22. #22
    Portland StatTulane
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 81 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 61

  23. #23
    LongwoodatNC Central
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 59

  24. #24
    Kent StateatUMass
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  25. #25
    MemphisatMississippi St
    CBB· ESPNDown to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 74 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 56

  26. #26
    Arkansas StatSouthern Miss
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  27. #27
    Le MoyneatSt Bonaventure
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  28. #28
    NorthwesternatButler
    CBB· PeacockDown to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    MarshallatTroy
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  30. #30
    Sacramento StatCA Baptist
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 46

  31. #31
    St John'satKentucky
    CBB· CBS
    C
    35/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 47 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 35

  32. #32
    MerceratWashington St
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 45 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 34

  33. #33
    StanfordatColorado
    CBB· ESPNU
    D
    32/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    SE MissouriatTennessee St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 30

  35. #35
    MarylandatVirginia
    CBB· ESPN
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 40 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 30

  36. #36
    Miami OHatBall State
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Robert MorrisatSaint Francis
    CBB
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 26

  38. #38
    RiceatPepperdine
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 33 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 25

  39. #39
    UT MartinatTennessee Tech
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  40. #40
    SC UpstateatYoungstown St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  41. #41
    NortheasternatSyracuse
    CBB· ACCNX
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  42. #42
    OaklandatMichigan St
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  43. #43
    BuffaloatW Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  44. #44
    Bowling GreenatOhio
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  45. #45
    FGCUatUCF
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  46. #46
    Boise StatNevada
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  47. #47
    UC RiversideatSt Thomas
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  48. #48
    LafayetteatGeorgia Tech
    CBB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 18 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 13

  49. #49
    San Diego StatArizona
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  50. #50
    Grand CanyonatWyoming
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  51. #51
    HoustonatArkansas
    CBB· CBSOne-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

  52. #52
    MarquetteatCreighton
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  53. #53
    Paul QuinnatPrairie View
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  54. #54
    LouisianaatUL Monroe
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  55. #55
    AuburnatPurdue
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ 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) = 4

  56. #56
    San José StatNew Mexico
    CBBOne-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

  57. #57
    E WashingtonatUtah
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  58. #58
    Colorado StatUtah State
    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

  59. #59
    Holy CrossatHarvard
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  60. #60
    BinghamtonatMercyhurst
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

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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