Worth the replay?

Saturday, February 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
    NC StateatNotre Dame
    CBB· CWOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  2. #2
    New Mexico StatMTSU
    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
    MercyhurstatStonehill
    CBBOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    The CitadelatWofford
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  5. #5
    NevadaatUNLV
    CBB· CBSSNOvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 75

  6. #6
    Miss Valley StatAR-Pine Bluff
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  7. #7
    Hawai'iatFullerton
    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

  8. #8
    CampbellatTowson
    CBBDown 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

  9. #9
    IowaatPenn State
    CBB· BTNDown 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

  10. #10
    ValparaisoatEvansville
    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 95 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 72

  11. #11
    Wright StatN Kentucky
    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

  12. #12
    Seattle UatLMU
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  13. #13
    Ole MissatAuburn
    CBB· SEC NetworkDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  14. #14
    OregonatNorthwestern
    CBB· BTNDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ 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) = 69

  15. #15
    FIUatLouisiana Tech
    CBB· ESPN+Big comebackBack and forth
    B+
    69/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  16. #16
    S Dakota StatSouth Dakota
    CBBDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  17. #17
    Alabama StatAlabama A&M
    CBBDown to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ 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) = 68

  18. #18
    Detroit MercyatOakland
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  19. #19
    LipscombatE Kentucky
    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

  20. #20
    AlabamaatTennessee
    CBB· ESPNDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  21. #21
    UCLAatMinnesota
    CBB· FS1Back and forth
    B+
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  22. #22
    Long Beach StatBakersfield
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  23. #23
    BethuneatSouthern
    CBBDown 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

  24. #24
    Le MoyneatNew Haven
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  25. #25
    San Diego StatNew Mexico
    CBB· CBSDown to the wire
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  26. #26
    Seton HallatUConn
    CBB· FS1Down 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

  27. #27
    ProvidenceatCreighton
    CBB· TNT/truTVDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 83 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 63

  28. #28
    Saint FrancisatC Connecticut
    CBBDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  29. #29
    BayloratUCF
    CBB· FS1Down to the wire
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  30. #30
    Saint Joseph'satRhode Island
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  31. #31
    BYUatWest Virginia
    CBB· FoxDown to the wire
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  32. #32
    HarvardatPenn
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  33. #33
    McNeeseatLSU N Orleans
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  34. #34
    N ColoradoatIdaho
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  35. #35
    Boston UatAmerican
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 58

  36. #36
    RichmondatLoyola Chicago
    CBB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  37. #37
    SE LouisianaatNicholls
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  38. #38
    LibertyatJax State
    CBB· ESPNUDown to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  39. #39
    Abilene ChrstnatUtah Valley
    CBB· ESPN+
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  40. #40
    TexasatTexas A&M
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  41. #41
    Purdue FWatIU Indy
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  42. #42
    GeorgetownatXavier
    CBB· TNT/truTVBack and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  43. #43
    C MichiganatBuffalo
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 73 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 54

  44. #44
    Austin PeayatBellarmine
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  45. #45
    Air ForceatWyoming
    CBBDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  46. #46
    SC StateatMD Eastern
    CBB
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  47. #47
    MaineatBinghamton
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  48. #48
    San FranciscoatPacific
    CBB· CBSSN
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension27/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  49. #49
    William & MaryatNC A&T
    CBB
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  50. #50
    PresbyterianatWinthrop
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    49/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  51. #51
    ETSUatMercer
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  52. #52
    GonzagaatSaint Mary's
    CBB· ESPNBig comeback
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 46

  53. #53
    TCUatKansas St
    CBB· ESPN2Down to the wire
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  54. #54
    San DiegoatPortland
    CBB· ESPN+Big comeback
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 45

  55. #55
    QueensatC Arkansas
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 58 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 43

  56. #56
    RadfordatLongwood
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  57. #57
    East Texas A&MatUT Rio Grande
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    41/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 41

  58. #58
    SyracuseatWake Forest
    CBB· CW
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  59. #59
    NortheasternatHampton
    CBBBack and forth
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension18/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  60. #60
    NC CentralatDelaware St
    CBB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

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.

Get the weekend's best games every Friday

The most watchable games across every sport, what's at stake in the playoff races, and last week's best games, spoiler-free. Free, one email a week.

Sports you care about