Worth the replay?

Saturday, January 3'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
    Bowling GreenatUMass
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    W CarolinaatFurman
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    CA BaptistatTarleton St
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    Portland StatIdaho St
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    Mississippi StatTexas
    CBB· SEC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  6. #6
    Wichita StatCharlotte
    CBB· ESPNUOvertimeDown 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
    Overtime+8

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

  7. #7
    Boise StatSan Diego St
    CBB· CBSSNOvertimeDown 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
    Overtime+8

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

  8. #8
    Morehead StatSIUE
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    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

  9. #9
    S Dakota StatNorth Dakota
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  10. #10
    Oral RobertsatN Dakota St
    CBB· CBSSNOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  11. #11
    AuburnatGeorgia
    CBB· SEC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  12. #12
    BakersfieldatUC Davis
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  13. #13
    James MadisonatArkansas St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  14. #14
    DaytonatLoyola Chicago
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  15. #15
    E IllinoisatUT Martin
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  16. #16
    LehighatBucknell
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  17. #17
    OhioatE Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 71

  18. #18
    Coppin StatDelaware St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  19. #19
    HowardatSC State
    CBBDown 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

  20. #20
    MinnesotaatNorthwestern
    CBB· BTNDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  21. #21
    SC UpstateatPresbyterian
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  22. #22
    ToledoatC Michigan
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  23. #23
    E WashingtonatIdaho
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 66

  24. #24
    FloridaatMissouri
    CBB· SEC NetworkDown to the wire
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  25. #25
    KansasatUCF
    CBB· Peacock/NBCSNDown to the wire
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  26. #26
    HoustonatCincinnati
    CBB· FoxDown to the wire
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  27. #27
    ProvidenceatSt John's
    CBB· FoxDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 86 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 65

  28. #28
    NevadaatFresno St
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  29. #29
    BryantatMaine
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  30. #30
    AmericanatBoston U
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  31. #31
    Virginia TechatWake Forest
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  32. #32
    LSU N OrleansatN'Western St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  33. #33
    AkronatMiami OH
    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

  34. #34
    Georgia StatCoastal
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  35. #35
    TennesseeatArkansas
    CBB· ESPN2Back and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  36. #36
    DavidsonatSaint Joseph's
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  37. #37
    Kansas CityatOmaha
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  38. #38
    Alcorn StatJackson St
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  39. #39
    Texas A&M-CCatUT Rio Grande
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  40. #40
    JacksonvilleatAustin Peay
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  41. #41
    ColoradoatArizona St
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  42. #42
    ClemsonatPitt
    CBB· CWDown to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 79 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 60

  43. #43
    LSUatTexas A&M
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  44. #44
    Norfolk StatNC Central
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  45. #45
    MemphisatRice
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  46. #46
    Boston CollegeatGeorgia Tech
    CBB· ACC NetworkBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  47. #47
    Tennessee StatLittle Rock
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  48. #48
    Southern MissatLouisiana
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  49. #49
    Florida A&MatBethune
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  50. #50
    NC A&TatStony Brook
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  51. #51
    MerceratETSU
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  52. #52
    Gardner-WebbatWinthrop
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 70 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 53

  53. #53
    Prairie ViewatGrambling
    CBBBack and forth
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 70 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 53

  54. #54
    XavieratDePaul
    CBB· FS1Down to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  55. #55
    E KentuckyatWest Georgia
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  56. #56
    Santa BarbaraatCSU Northridge
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  57. #57
    ChattanoogaatVMI
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 68 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  58. #58
    UT ArlingtonatSouthern Utah
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  59. #59
    Texas StatUL Monroe
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 64 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

  60. #60
    BayloratTCU
    CBB· TNT
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 47

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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