Worth the replay?

Wednesday, February 4'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
    ButleratProvidence
    CBB· PeacockOvertimeDown 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

  2. #2
    Green BayatN Kentucky
    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
    FurmanatETSU
    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

  4. #4
    FIUatMTSU
    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

  5. #5
    UTEPatSam Houston
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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

  6. #6
    North TexasatRice
    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

  7. #7
    South DakotaatKansas City
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  8. #8
    W CarolinaatUNC Greensboro
    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

  9. #9
    Arkansas StatCoastal
    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

  10. #10
    DuquesneatGeorge Mason
    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

  11. #11
    LouisianaatJames Madison
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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

  12. #12
    BucknellatAmerican
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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
    Washington StatOregon St
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 94 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 70

  14. #14
    LehighatLoyola MD
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  15. #15
    East Texas A&MatN'Western St
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  16. #16
    Texas StatGA Southern
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  17. #17
    Wright StatRobert Morris
    CBB· ESPNU/ESPN+Down 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

  18. #18
    PepperdineatSeattle U
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  19. #19
    Texas A&MatAlabama
    CBB· SEC NetworkDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  20. #20
    AR-Pine BluffatGrambling
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  21. #21
    UL MonroeatOld Dominion
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  22. #22
    G WashingtonatSaint Joseph's
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 86 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 64

  23. #23
    WinthropatRadford
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  24. #24
    TulsaatFAU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  25. #25
    ClemsonatStanford
    CBB· ACC NetworkDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  26. #26
    IowaatWashington
    CBB· BTNDown to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  27. #27
    New Mexico StatLouisiana Tech
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  28. #28
    SC UpstateatUNC Asheville
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  29. #29
    BYUatOklahoma St
    CBB· FS1
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  30. #30
    OaklandatCleveland St
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  31. #31
    LibertyatDelaware
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  32. #32
    Michigan StatMinnesota
    CBB· BTN
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  33. #33
    LMUatSan Francisco
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  34. #34
    South AlabamaatApp State
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  35. #35
    GonzagaatPortland
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  36. #36
    Georgia TechatCalifornia
    CBB· ACC Network
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    Arizona StatUtah
    CBB· CBSSN
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 31

  38. #38
    NavyatLafayette
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 31

  39. #39
    St ThomasatS Dakota St
    CBB· CBSSN
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 30

  40. #40
    Southern MissatMarshall
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 40 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 30

  41. #41
    TroyatGeorgia St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  42. #42
    Detroit MercyatMilwaukee
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  43. #43
    CreightonatGeorgetown
    CBB· Peacock
    D
    24/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  44. #44
    MD EasternatSC State
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    24/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 32 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 24

  45. #45
    LipscombatAustin Peay
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  46. #46
    Santa ClaraatPacific
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  47. #47
    Youngstown StatPurdue FW
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 26 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  48. #48
    Utah StateatNew Mexico
    CBB· FS1
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 26 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  49. #49
    North AlabamaatC Arkansas
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  50. #50
    ArmyatColgate
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 13

  51. #51
    CharlotteatWichita St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 13

  52. #52
    LongwoodatGardner-Webb
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  53. #53
    OklahomaatKentucky
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  54. #54
    Notre DameatLouisville
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  55. #55
    WoffordatVMI
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  56. #56
    Seton HallatVillanova
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 5

  57. #57
    UTSAatSouth Florida
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 4

  58. #58
    ColoradoatBaylor
    CBB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  59. #59
    Charleston SoatHigh Point
    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

  60. #60
    NorthwesternatIllinois
    CBB· BTNOne-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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