Worth the replay?

Saturday, January 31'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
    FDUatWagner
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    ColgateatLehigh
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    TexasatOklahoma
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  4. #4
    IndianaatUCLA
    CBB· PeacockOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    Oregon StatSan Diego
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  6. #6
    RadfordatPresbyterian
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  7. #7
    Bowling GreenatC Michigan
    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

  8. #8
    UNC GreensboroatThe Citadel
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  9. #9
    Utah TechatTarleton St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  10. #10
    LindenwoodatMorehead St
    CBB· 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

  11. #11
    SouthernatAlcorn St
    CBBDown 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

  12. #12
    CaliforniaatMiami
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  13. #13
    ValparaisoatIndiana St
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  14. #14
    LSUatSouth Carolina
    CBB· SECN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  15. #15
    OmahaatDenver
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  16. #16
    South FloridaatTemple
    CBB· ESPN2Down 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

  17. #17
    NC A&TatDrexel
    CBBDown 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 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 71

  18. #18
    Idaho StatWeber St
    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

  19. #19
    UICatS Illinois
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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

  20. #20
    QueensatBellarmine
    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

  21. #21
    LafayetteatAmerican
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  22. #22
    DePaulatXavier
    CBB· FS1Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    HarvardatYale
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 69

  24. #24
    DartmouthatBrown
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 69

  25. #25
    Boston UatBucknell
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

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

  26. #26
    Southern UtahatAbilene Chrstn
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  27. #27
    UMBCatUAlbany
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  28. #28
    George MasonatSt Bonaventure
    CBB· USA NetDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    Western KYatMTSU
    CBB· CBSSNBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  30. #30
    UABatNorth Texas
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  31. #31
    MercyhurstatChicago St
    CBB
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  32. #32
    N Dakota StatSouth Dakota
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10
    Overtime+8

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

  33. #33
    Holy CrossatArmy
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  34. #34
    CA BaptistatUT Arlington
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  35. #35
    Oklahoma StatUtah
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  36. #36
    San Diego StatUtah State
    CBB· CBS
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Stony BrookatElon
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  38. #38
    NJITatVermont
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 82 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 61

  39. #39
    CampbellatWilliam & Mary
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  40. #40
    Texas SouthernatPrairie View
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 81 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 60

  41. #41
    MarquetteatSeton Hall
    CBB· PeacockDown to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  42. #42
    MontanaatSacramento St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  43. #43
    CharlestonatNortheastern
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  44. #44
    Cal PolyatUC Riverside
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  45. #45
    KentuckyatArkansas
    CBB· ESPNDown to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  46. #46
    UC DavisatBakersfield
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  47. #47
    E WashingtonatN Colorado
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  48. #48
    GeorgetownatButler
    CBB· TNTDown to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  49. #49
    GramblingatJackson St
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  50. #50
    Hawai'iatLong Beach St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 74 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 56

  51. #51
    Texas TechatUCF
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wire
    C+
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  52. #52
    North AlabamaatStetson
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 71 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 54

  53. #53
    FordhamatG Washington
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  54. #54
    Jax StateatMissouri St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  55. #55
    BayloratWest Virginia
    CBB· ESPN2
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  56. #56
    McNeeseatLamar
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  57. #57
    E MichiganatUMass
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 68 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  58. #58
    StonehillatLe Moyne
    CBB
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  59. #59
    N'Western StatLSU N Orleans
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  60. #60
    NichollsatEast Texas A&M
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 64 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 48

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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