Worth the replay?

Sunday, January 4'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
    UABatSouth Florida
    CBB· ESPNUOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    FDUatSaint Francis
    CBBDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  3. #3
    S IllinoisatBelmont
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  4. #4
    UICatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  5. #5
    CreightonatSeton Hall
    CBB· PeacockDown 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

  6. #6
    Cleveland StatPurdue FW
    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

  7. #7
    FAUatTulane
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  8. #8
    Sam HoustonatMTSU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  9. #9
    RichmondatFordham
    CBB· USA NetDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  10. #10
    Indiana StatDrake
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  11. #11
    TulsaatNorth Texas
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  12. #12
    Sacred HeartatCanisius
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  13. #13
    DenveratSt Thomas
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 83 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 62

  14. #14
    PortlandatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  15. #15
    Wright StatIU Indy
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  16. #16
    StonehillatWagner
    CBB
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  17. #17
    Louisiana TechatWestern KY
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  18. #18
    New Mexico StatMissouri St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  19. #19
    FairfieldatNiagara
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  20. #20
    Kennesaw StatDelaware
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 45

  21. #21
    PepperdineatPacific
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    41/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 54 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 41

  22. #22
    ManhattanatMerrimack
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    33/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 44 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 33

  23. #23
    Seattle UatSaint Mary's
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 31

  24. #24
    Jax StateatLiberty
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 38 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 29

  25. #25
    Le MoyneatMercyhurst
    CBB
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 37 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 27

  26. #26
    WashingtonatIndiana
    CBB· BTN
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    UTEPatFIU
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    21/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  28. #28
    Mount St MarysatQuinnipiac
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    Youngstown StatN Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  30. #30
    Oregon StatWashington 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

  31. #31
    Long IslandatChicago St
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  32. #32
    SienaatRider
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    New HavenatC Connecticut
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  34. #34
    IonaatMarist
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  35. #35
    BradleyatMurray St
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    LMUatGonzaga
    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

  37. #37
    Robert MorrisatOakland
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  38. #38
    Northern IowaatEvansville
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    San DiegoatSanta Clara
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 0

  40. #40
    MarquetteatUConn
    CBB· NBCOne-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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