Worth the replay?

Wednesday, January 28'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
    CharlotteatTemple
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    San DiegoatPepperdine
    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
    EvansvilleatDrake
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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 96 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  4. #4
    Western KYatKennesaw St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  5. #5
    Jax StateatFIU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  6. #6
    Oregon StatLMU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  7. #7
    TennesseeatGeorgia
    CBB· SEC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  8. #8
    Holy CrossatColgate
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  9. #9
    MinnesotaatWisconsin
    CBB· BTNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  10. #10
    BucknellatLafayette
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  11. #11
    BelmontatValparaiso
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  12. #12
    USCatIowa
    CBB· BTNDown 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

  13. #13
    DelawareatNew Mexico St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  14. #14
    La SalleatFordham
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  15. #15
    MarshallatTexas St
    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

  16. #16
    Old DominionatArkansas St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  17. #17
    CaliforniaatFlorida St
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown 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

  18. #18
    DenveratKansas City
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  19. #19
    NavyatBoston U
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  20. #20
    OaklandatPurdue FW
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 59

  21. #21
    Northern IowaatS Illinois
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  22. #22
    C ArkansasatQueens
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  23. #23
    LehighatArmy
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  24. #24
    Illinois StatMurray St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  25. #25
    Louisiana TechatUTEP
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  26. #26
    S Dakota StatOmaha
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 75 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 57

  27. #27
    StanfordatMiami
    CBB· ACC Network
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension29/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  28. #28
    North TexasatTulsa
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  29. #29
    UABatUTSA
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 66 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 49

  30. #30
    TexasatAuburn
    CBB· ESPN2
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  31. #31
    St BonaventureatDuquesne
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

  32. #32
    Miss Valley StatSouthern
    CBBBack and forth
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  33. #33
    Sam HoustonatMissouri St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 44

  34. #34
    West GeorgiaatBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 58 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 44

  35. #35
    AmericanatLoyola MD
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  36. #36
    XavieratSeton Hall
    CBB· Peacock
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 46 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 34

  37. #37
    DavidsonatGeorge Mason
    CBB· CBSSNBack and forth
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 45 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 34

  38. #38
    RiceatEast Carolina
    CBB· ESPNU
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  39. #39
    Mississippi StatLSU
    CBB· SECN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 30 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 22

  40. #40
    DePaulatGeorgetown
    CBB· FS1
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  41. #41
    HoustonatTCU
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  42. #42
    Seattle UatWashington St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 23 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 17

  43. #43
    Colorado StatSan Diego St
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  44. #44
    San FranciscoatSanta Clara
    CBB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  45. #45
    South FloridaatTulane
    CBB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  46. #46
    BayloratCincinnati
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 18 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 13

  47. #47
    IU IndyatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 12

  48. #48
    Austin PeayatE Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  49. #49
    UCLAatOregon
    CBB· BTNOne-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

  50. #50
    FloridaatSouth Carolina
    CBB· SEC NetworkOne-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

  51. #51
    ButleratSt John's
    CBB· PeacockOne-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

  52. #52
    PortlandatPacific
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  53. #53
    WyomingatUtah State
    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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