Worth the replay?

Wednesday, January 21'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
    LafayetteatBoston U
    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

  2. #2
    ArmyatBucknell
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    FurmanatThe Citadel
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    Cleveland StatWright St
    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

  5. #5
    XavieratCreighton
    CBB· FS1Down 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

  6. #6
    ETSUatChattanooga
    CBB· ESPNU/ESPN+Down 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

  7. #7
    San Diego StatGrand Canyon
    CBB· FS1Down 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

  8. #8
    TroyatOld Dominion
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  9. #9
    RadfordatWinthrop
    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

  10. #10
    Rhode IslandatRichmond
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 93 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  11. #11
    Indiana StatBradley
    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 90 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 68

  12. #12
    PittatBoston College
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown to the wire
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  13. #13
    FordhamatDavidson
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  14. #14
    TempleatRice
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  15. #15
    South DakotaatOmaha
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  16. #16
    SamfordatWofford
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  17. #17
    Utah ValleyatSouthern Utah
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  18. #18
    DaytonatLa Salle
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  19. #19
    MemphisatTulsa
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  20. #20
    Virginia TechatSyracuse
    CBB· ACC NetworkBig comeback
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  21. #21
    NorthwesternatUSC
    CBB· BTNDown to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  22. #22
    Tarleton StatUT Arlington
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  23. #23
    ColgateatAmerican
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  24. #24
    LibertyatWestern KY
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  25. #25
    Purdue FWatDetroit Mercy
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  26. #26
    TexasatKentucky
    CBB· SEC Network
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  27. #27
    Kennesaw StatSam Houston
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  28. #28
    West VirginiaatArizona St
    CBB· Peacock
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    IU IndyatOakland
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 49 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 37

  30. #30
    Murray StatDrake
    CBB· CBSSN
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 48 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 36

  31. #31
    UNC GreensboroatVMI
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  32. #32
    Washington StatSan Diego
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 35 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 26

  33. #33
    TulaneatFAU
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 25

  34. #34
    S IllinoisatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    24/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 33 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 24

  35. #35
    Northern IowaatIllinois St
    CBB· ESPNU
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 31 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 23

  36. #36
    UNC AshevilleatSC Upstate
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Holy CrossatNavy
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  38. #38
    Charleston SoatPresbyterian
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    Utah TechatCA Baptist
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  40. #40
    CincinnatiatArizona
    CBB· FS1Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  41. #41
    North AlabamaatQueens
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  42. #42
    MarylandatIllinois
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  43. #43
    GeorgetownatVillanova
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  44. #44
    Mississippi StatTexas A&M
    CBB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  45. #45
    LMUatSeattle U
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  46. #46
    W CarolinaatMercer
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  47. #47
    WashingtonatNebraska
    CBB· BTNOne-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

  48. #48
    Notre DameatNorth Carolina
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ 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) = 3

  49. #49
    Fresno StatNew Mexico
    CBB· CBSSNOne-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

  50. #50
    UTSAatNorth Texas
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ 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) = 1

  51. #51
    East CarolinaatWichita St
    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

  52. #52
    PepperdineatGonzaga
    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

  53. #53
    Gardner-WebbatLongwood
    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

  54. #54
    Oregon StatSaint Mary's
    CBB· CBSSNOne-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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