Worth the replay?

Wednesday, December 31'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
    VirginiaatVirginia Tech
    CBB· ACC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    ArmyatLehigh
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    LamaratEast Texas A&M
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  4. #4
    TowsonatHampton
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  5. #5
    Wichita StatUAB
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  6. #6
    St BonaventureatVCU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  7. #7
    South AlabamaatLouisiana
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  8. #8
    TulaneatEast Carolina
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  9. #9
    George MasonatLa Salle
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  10. #10
    CampbellatMonmouth
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  11. #11
    NichollsatUT Rio Grande
    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 84 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  12. #12
    DePaulatVillanova
    CBB· FS1Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 84 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  13. #13
    Georgia StatMarshall
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  14. #14
    ColgateatLafayette
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  15. #15
    Charleston SoatGardner-Webb
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  16. #16
    WoffordatW Carolina
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 75 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 56

  17. #17
    CharlestonatElon
    CBB
    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

  18. #18
    MerceratFurman
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  19. #19
    NortheasternatNC A&T
    CBBBack and forth
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  20. #20
    Georgia TechatDuke
    CBB· ACC NetworkBack and forth
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  21. #21
    ClemsonatSyracuse
    CBB· ESPN2
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  22. #22
    Loyola ChicagoatRhode Island
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    BucknellatHoly Cross
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  24. #24
    WinthropatLongwood
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  25. #25
    RadfordatSC Upstate
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 39 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 29

  26. #26
    BuffaloatN Illinois
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    St John'satGeorgetown
    CBB· FS1Back and forth
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  28. #28
    FordhamatDayton
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 30 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 22

  29. #29
    Stony BrookatWilliam & Mary
    CBB· CBSSN
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  30. #30
    NJITatPenn
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 16

  31. #31
    Loyola MDatAmerican
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  32. #32
    Boston UatNavy
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  33. #33
    LSU N OrleansatTexas A&M-CC
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    SF AustinatN'Western St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  35. #35
    South DakotaatN Dakota St
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  36. #36
    G WashingtonatRichmond
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  37. #37
    Wake ForestatNC State
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  38. #38
    App StateatOld Dominion
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 13 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 9

  39. #39
    Kansas CityatDenver
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  40. #40
    North TexasatMemphis
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  41. #41
    Texas StatTroy
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  42. #42
    High PointatUNC Asheville
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  43. #43
    DrexelatUNC Wilmington
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  44. #44
    RiceatTulsa
    CBB· ESPNUOne-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

  45. #45
    UTSAatFAU
    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

  46. #46
    UConnatXavier
    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

  47. #47
    J&WatBrown
    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

  48. #48
    PSU AbingtonatColumbia
    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

  49. #49
    Saint Joseph'satSaint 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

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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