Worth the replay?

Monday, December 29'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
    BelmontatIndiana St
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 97 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  2. #2
    Stony BrookatHampton
    CBBDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 97 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  3. #3
    N KentuckyatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  4. #4
    Saint Peter'satFairfield
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 68

  5. #5
    NichollsatTexas A&M-CC
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 68

  6. #6
    ManhattanatRider
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  7. #7
    Tarleton StatUT Arlington
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  8. #8
    MaristatQuinnipiac
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  9. #9
    EvansvilleatBradley
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  10. #10
    UNC WilmingtonatNC A&T
    CBB· CBSSN
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  11. #11
    CA BaptistatUtah Valley
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 67 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  12. #12
    S IllinoisatMurray St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 65 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

  13. #13
    UtahatWashington
    CBB· FS1Back and forth
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  14. #14
    LSU N OrleansatUT Rio Grande
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  15. #15
    ValparaisoatNorthern Iowa
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 53 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 39

  16. #16
    IonaatMount St Marys
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 51 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 38

  17. #17
    DrexelatCharleston
    CBB· CW
    D
    32/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  18. #18
    Detroit MercyatYoungstown St
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    D
    32/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 42 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 32

  19. #19
    MerrimackatSacred Heart
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  20. #20
    NortheasternatElon
    CBB
    D
    28/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  21. #21
    TowsonatWilliam & Mary
    CBB
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  22. #22
    Southern UtahatUtah Tech
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  23. #23
    Long IslandatGeorgia
    CBB· SECN+
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  24. #24
    Illinois StatDrake
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  25. #25
    LamaratN'Western St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  26. #26
    SF AustinatEast Texas A&M
    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

  27. #27
    Western KYatJax State
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  28. #28
    IU IndyatCleveland St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  29. #29
    UTEPatLouisiana Tech
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  30. #30
    Missouri StatDelaware
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  31. #31
    CornellatMichigan St
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  32. #32
    NC CentralatPenn State
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  33. #33
    SUNY CantonatNJIT
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 7

  34. #34
    Purdue FWatMilwaukee
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 7

  35. #35
    OaklandatWright St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    CampbellatHofstra
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  37. #37
    LipscombatCincinnati
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  38. #38
    FDUatMinnesota
    CBB· BTNOne-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

  39. #39
    BethuneatOklahoma St
    CBB· ESPN+One-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

  40. #40
    UMBCatCoppin St
    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

  41. #41
    S Dakota StatArizona
    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

  42. #42
    Hou ChristianatIowa State
    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

  43. #43
    GA CollegeatSouth 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

  44. #44
    Alcorn StatOle Miss
    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

  45. #45
    MTSUatHouston
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  46. #46
    Delaware StatRutgers
    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

  47. #47
    McNeeseatMichigan
    CBB· B1G+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

  48. #48
    Kent StateatPurdue
    CBB· B1G+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

  49. #49
    New HavenatVanderbilt
    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

  50. #50
    YaleatAlabama
    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

  51. #51
    James MadisonatArkansas
    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
    SouthernatIllinois
    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

  53. #53
    DartmouthatFlorida
    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

  54. #54
    UMass LowellatIowa
    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

  55. #55
    Illinois TechatUIC
    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
    ElmiraatBinghamton
    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
    Arlington BaptatBaylor
    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
    EarlhamatBall 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

  59. #59
    ConcordatAkron
    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

  60. #60
    Alabama StatMississippi St
    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

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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