Worth the replay?

Sunday, December 21'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
    CharlestonatN Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  2. #2
    UICatCharlotte
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    Oregon StatArizona St
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  4. #4
    IdahoatCal Poly
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 93 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 69

  5. #5
    Purdue FWatNotre Dame
    CBB· ACCNXDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  6. #6
    CornellatUAlbany
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  7. #7
    Norfolk StatUTEP
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  8. #8
    UC IrvineatN Dakota St
    CBB· YouTubeDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  9. #9
    Murray StatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 82 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 61

  10. #10
    QuinnipiacatHofstra
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 81 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 60

  11. #11
    DrakeatEvansville
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  12. #12
    Charleston SoatFurman
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  13. #13
    PresbyterianatManhattan
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  14. #14
    VMIatRadford
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 69 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 52

  15. #15
    CincinnatiatClemson
    CBB· ESPNDown 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

  16. #16
    UC DavisatIdaho St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 47

  17. #17
    MilwaukeeatCleveland St
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 47

  18. #18
    FullertonatOklahoma St
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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

  19. #19
    Loyola MDatGeorge Mason
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  20. #20
    NichollsatPacific
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  21. #21
    S IllinoisatBradley
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  22. #22
    ChattanoogaatAlabama A&M
    CBB
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    New HampshireatSaint Louis
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  24. #24
    GonzagaatOregon
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  25. #25
    LehighatMonmouth
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  26. #26
    UConnatDePaul
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  27. #27
    UMass LowellatBoston U
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  28. #28
    N ArizonaatIncarnate Word
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    Florida A&MatTCU
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  30. #30
    MaineatDrexel
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 14 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 11

  31. #31
    Sam HoustonatNew Mexico St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  32. #32
    PittatPenn State
    CBB· BTNOne-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

  33. #33
    North DakotaatNebraska
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    Ole MissatNC State
    CBB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  35. #35
    Holy FamilyatDelaware St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  36. #36
    CumberlandatMTSU
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  37. #37
    VanderbiltatWake Forest
    CBB· CWOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ 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) = 5

  38. #38
    Stony BrookatMarist
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ 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) = 5

  39. #39
    UNC AshevilleatUAB
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  40. #40
    Indiana StatIllinois St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  41. #41
    SouthernatBaylor
    CBB· TNT/truTVOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  42. #42
    E KentuckyatWichita St
    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

  43. #43
    ColumbiaatCalifornia
    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

  44. #44
    C ArkansasatSMU
    CBB· ACCNXOne-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
    Gardner-WebbatTennessee
    CBB· SECN+One-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
    UMBCatSouth Florida
    CBB· ESPN+One-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
    UC Santa CruzatUSC
    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

  48. #48
    Morgan StatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+One-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

  49. #49
    La SalleatMichigan
    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

  50. #50
    Long Beach StatIowa State
    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
    Kennesaw StatAlabama
    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

  52. #52
    ColgateatFlorida
    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

  53. #53
    ClintonatWinthrop
    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

  54. #54
    RosemontatNavy
    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
    PSU BrandywineatMount St Marys
    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
    VA LynchburgatUNC Greensboro
    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

  57. #57
    DallasatSF Austin
    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

  58. #58
    East Texas A&MatTexas A&M
    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

  59. #59
    North FloridaatMiami
    CBB· ACC 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

  60. #60
    CampbellatMinnesota
    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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