Worth the replay?

Thursday, February 5'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
    UT ArlingtonatUtah Tech
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    FGCUatE Kentucky
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    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

  3. #3
    ElonatHampton
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 98 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 74

  4. #4
    Saint FrancisatMercyhurst
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    MerceratChattanooga
    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

  6. #6
    North FloridaatWest Georgia
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  7. #7
    CSU NorthridgeatCal Poly
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  8. #8
    UC RiversideatFullerton
    CBB· ESPN+Down 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

  9. #9
    E WashingtonatMontana
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  10. #10
    UAlbanyatBryant
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  11. #11
    West VirginiaatCincinnati
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  12. #12
    Tarleton StatCA Baptist
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  13. #13
    DenveratN Dakota St
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  14. #14
    Jax StateatWestern KY
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  15. #15
    OmahaatNorth Dakota
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  16. #16
    Le MoyneatWagner
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  17. #17
    IonaatSiena
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  18. #18
    Long Beach StatUC San Diego
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  19. #19
    William & MaryatUNC Wilmington
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  20. #20
    LindenwoodatLittle Rock
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 77 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 57

  21. #21
    FairfieldatSacred Heart
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  22. #22
    N ArizonaatIdaho St
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 67 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 51

  23. #23
    MonmouthatStony Brook
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  24. #24
    VermontatMaine
    CBB· ESPN+
    C+
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 61 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 45

  25. #25
    Saint Peter'satManhattan
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  26. #26
    Santa BarbaraatUC Davis
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 56 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 42

  27. #27
    New HavenatLong Island
    CBB
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 42

  28. #28
    IdahoatMontana St
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    41/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 54 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 41

  29. #29
    MemphisatUAB
    CBB· ESPN2
    D
    32/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 42 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 32

  30. #30
    E IllinoisatTennessee St
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  31. #31
    Chicago StatC Connecticut
    CBB
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  32. #32
    NC A&TatCharleston
    CBBBack and forthOne-sided
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  33. #33
    MerrimackatMount St Marys
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  34. #34
    DrexelatCampbell
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 16

  35. #35
    N ColoradoatWeber St
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    Morehead StatSE Missouri
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  37. #37
    StonehillatFDU
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 9

  38. #38
    Ohio StateatMaryland
    CBB· FS1One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    The CitadelatSamford
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  40. #40
    UMass LowellatNJIT
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 8

  41. #41
    JacksonvilleatQueens
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  42. #42
    StetsonatBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  43. #43
    NortheasternatHofstra
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  44. #44
    BakersfieldatUC Irvine
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 6

  45. #45
    W IllinoisatTennessee Tech
    CBB· ESPN+One-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

  46. #46
    Abilene ChrstnatUtah Valley
    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
    CanisiusatQuinnipiac
    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
    BinghamtonatUMBC
    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
    Penn StateatMichigan
    CBB· FS1One-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

  50. #50
    RideratMarist
    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

  51. #51
    S IndianaatUT Martin
    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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