Worth the replay?

Thursday, January 22'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
    BinghamtonatNew Hampshire
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    MerrimackatIona
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ 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) = 73

  3. #3
    StetsonatLipscomb
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    E IllinoisatS Indiana
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    Texas StatCoastal
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  6. #6
    NiagaraatFairfield
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 68

  7. #7
    HofstraatNC A&T
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  8. #8
    UAlbanyatMaine
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ 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) = 68

  9. #9
    S Dakota StatSt Thomas
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  10. #10
    Southern MissatGeorgia St
    CBB· ESPN+
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  11. #11
    E KentuckyatNorth Florida
    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

  12. #12
    BellarmineatJacksonville
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  13. #13
    MonmouthatHampton
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  14. #14
    UC San DiegoatUC Davis
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  15. #15
    Missouri StatNew Mexico St
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  16. #16
    South AlabamaatJames Madison
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  17. #17
    N Dakota StatDenver
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  18. #18
    W IllinoisatMorehead St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  19. #19
    CanisiusatSacred Heart
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  20. #20
    FIUatUTEP
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 73 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 55

  21. #21
    Tennessee StatSIUE
    CBB· ESPNU/ESPN+
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  22. #22
    Portland StatE Washington
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  23. #23
    North DakotaatOral Roberts
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  24. #24
    MaristatSiena
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 65 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

  25. #25
    Weber StatMontana
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  26. #26
    CampbellatCharleston
    CBB· CW
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 53 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 39

  27. #27
    UNC WilmingtonatWilliam & Mary
    CBB
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  28. #28
    Little RockatSE Missouri
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 51 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 38

  29. #29
    TowsonatElon
    CBB
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 36 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 27

  30. #30
    Stony BrookatNortheastern
    CBB
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 36 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 27

  31. #31
    VermontatUMass Lowell
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  32. #32
    Idaho StatMontana St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    MilwaukeeatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  34. #34
    C ArkansasatWest Georgia
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  35. #35
    South FloridaatUAB
    CBB· ESPN2
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  36. #36
    LouisianaatApp State
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Arkansas StatGA Southern
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  38. #38
    Sacramento StatIdaho
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  39. #39
    Green BayatYoungstown St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ 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) = 15

  40. #40
    UC IrvineatUC Riverside
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  41. #41
    FGCUatAustin Peay
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ 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) = 9

  42. #42
    QuinnipiacatMount St Marys
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  43. #43
    Long Beach StatFullerton
    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

  44. #44
    WisconsinatPenn State
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  45. #45
    NJITatUMBC
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 3

  46. #46
    Tennessee TechatLindenwood
    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

  47. #47
    BakersfieldatHawai'i
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 2

  48. #48
    UL MonroeatMarshall
    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
    Cal PolyatSanta Barbara
    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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