Worth the replay?

Thursday, January 15'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
    UMBCatBryant
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    Arkansas StatSouth Alabama
    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

  3. #3
    Tarleton StatSouthern Utah
    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-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    The CitadelatUNC Greensboro
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    Robert MorrisatIU Indy
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 73

  6. #6
    CSU NorthridgeatUC San Diego
    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

  7. #7
    ElonatNortheastern
    CBBDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ 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) = 70

  8. #8
    MaineatVermont
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  9. #9
    JacksonvilleatC Arkansas
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  10. #10
    UTEPatDelaware
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  11. #11
    E IllinoisatLittle Rock
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  12. #12
    IdahoatIdaho St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  13. #13
    E KentuckyatAustin Peay
    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 85 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  14. #14
    MerceratVMI
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  15. #15
    S IndianaatTennessee Tech
    CBB· ESPN+Big comebackBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  16. #16
    Old DominionatGA Southern
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  17. #17
    N ColoradoatPortland St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  18. #18
    West GeorgiaatStetson
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  19. #19
    Morehead StatTennessee St
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  20. #20
    QueensatFGCU
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 73 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 54

  21. #21
    UT ArlingtonatUtah Tech
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  22. #22
    UC RiversideatLong Beach 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 64 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

  23. #23
    N ArizonaatSacramento St
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  24. #24
    New Mexico StatLiberty
    CBB· CBSSN
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 46

  25. #25
    E WashingtonatWeber St
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  26. #26
    FullertonatUC Davis
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    Santa BarbaraatBakersfield
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 52 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 39

  28. #28
    HofstraatStony Brook
    CBB
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    Green BayatCleveland St
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 49 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 36

  30. #30
    NJITatUMass Lowell
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    35/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 46 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 35

  31. #31
    CharlestonatTowson
    CBB· CBSSN
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  32. #32
    Youngstown StatWright St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    North FloridaatNorth Alabama
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    San DiegoatSeattle U
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    28/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  35. #35
    SIUEatUT Martin
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 26

  36. #36
    DrexelatMonmouth
    CBB
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  37. #37
    CA BaptistatAbilene Chrstn
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 24 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

  38. #38
    BinghamtonatUAlbany
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 24 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

  39. #39
    St ThomasatNorth Dakota
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 23 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 18

  40. #40
    LindenwoodatSE Missouri
    CBB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  41. #41
    OaklandatMilwaukee
    CBB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  42. #42
    NC A&TatWilliam & Mary
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 21 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 15

  43. #43
    Wichita StatFAU
    CBB· ESPN2One-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

  44. #44
    Hawai'iatCal Poly
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  45. #45
    James MadisonatApp State
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  46. #46
    GonzagaatWashington St
    CBB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  47. #47
    BellarmineatLipscomb
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  48. #48
    Detroit MercyatN Kentucky
    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

  49. #49
    Kansas CityatSouth Dakota
    CBBOne-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

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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