Worth the replay?

Thursday, November 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
    HofstraatPrinceton
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    84/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.85 (pre-game Watchability 70) = 84

  2. #2
    Jax StateatSouth Alabama
    CBB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    75/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    McNeeseatNorth Texas
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B+
    72/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.92 (pre-game Watchability 83) = 72

  4. #4
    Fort Valley StatFlorida A&M
    CBBBig comeback
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  5. #5
    East Texas A&MatRice
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.61 (pre-game Watchability 22) = 56

  6. #6
    Georgia StatCharlotte
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.66 (pre-game Watchability 32) = 56

  7. #7
    South FloridaatDePaul
    CBB· truTV
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.89 (pre-game Watchability 77) = 53

  8. #8
    Jackson StatTulane
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.54 (pre-game Watchability 8) = 50

  9. #9
    MaineatSacred Heart
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    C+
    46/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 3) = 46

  10. #10
    BinghamtonatSaint Peter's
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 1) = 45

  11. #11
    CornellatLehigh
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    45/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 56 × pre-game weight 0.80 (pre-game Watchability 60) = 45

  12. #12
    Chicago StatIncarnate Word
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 1) = 43

  13. #13
    UMBCatMarist
    CBB· ESPN+
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 66 × pre-game weight 0.60 (pre-game Watchability 20) = 40

  14. #14
    Long IslandatSeton Hall
    CBB· truTVBack and forth
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 61 × pre-game weight 0.63 (pre-game Watchability 27) = 39

  15. #15
    UAlbanyatManhattan
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 72 × pre-game weight 0.52 (pre-game Watchability 5) = 38

  16. #16
    New HampshireatRider
    CBB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.59 (pre-game Watchability 17) = 37

  17. #17
    BuffaloatPitt
    CBB· ACCNX
    D
    33/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 48 × pre-game weight 0.68 (pre-game Watchability 36) = 33

  18. #18
    VermontatFairfield
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 35 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65) = 29

  19. #19
    Delaware StatNavy
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 46 × pre-game weight 0.50 (pre-game Watchability 0) = 23

  20. #20
    TowsonatUtah
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.77 (pre-game Watchability 54) = 22

  21. #21
    UMass LowellatMerrimack
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.53 (pre-game Watchability 5) = 22

  22. #22
    Union (TN)atNorth Alabama
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    19/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.75 (pre-game Watchability 50, estimated) = 19

  23. #23
    HowardatAlcorn St
    CBB
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.57 (pre-game Watchability 15) = 17

  24. #24
    BryantatQuinnipiac
    CBB· ESPN+
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.55 (pre-game Watchability 11) = 14

  25. #25
    NJITatIona
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 3) = 9

  26. #26
    CalumetatAir Force
    CBB· MW+Back and forthOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  27. #27
    ChattanoogaatPenn State
    CBB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.63 (pre-game Watchability 25) = 7

  28. #28
    Columbia Int'latCharleston So
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  29. #29
    MenloatUC Davis
    CBB· MW+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ 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) = 5

  30. #30
    StonehillatFordham
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 2) = 4

  31. #31
    Wake ForestatVanderbilt
    CBB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 64) = 3

  32. #32
    Howard PayneatTexas St
    CBB· YouTubeOne-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

  33. #33
    Old WestburyatColumbia
    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

  34. #34
    CentreatBelmont
    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

  35. #35
    Central StatIllinois St
    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

  36. #36
    East WestatTennessee St
    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

  37. #37
    Green BayatCincinnati
    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 0.63 (pre-game Watchability 26) = 2

  38. #38
    Biblical StudatPrairie View
    CBBOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    Gardner-WebbatTexas
    CBB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.55 (pre-game Watchability 10) = 1

  40. #40
    BethuneatTexas Tech
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.67 (pre-game Watchability 35) = 0

  41. #41
    Le MoyneatCreighton
    CBB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.57 (pre-game Watchability 15) = 0

  42. #42
    West GeorgiaatLoyola Chicago
    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 0.51 (pre-game Watchability 3) = 0

  43. #43
    PennatIllinois
    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 0.76 (pre-game Watchability 52) = 0

  44. #44
    ToledoatMichigan St
    CBB· PeacockOne-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 0.76 (pre-game Watchability 51) = 0

  45. #45
    VA LynchburgatMorehead St
    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

  46. #46
    King'satLafayette
    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

  47. #47
    Mt St MaryatArmy
    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

  48. #48
    Central BibleatLindenwood
    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
    KalamazooatW Michigan
    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

  50. #50
    S VirginiaatRichmond
    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
    KY WesleyanatWestern KY
    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

  52. #52
    UA MonticelloatLouisiana Tech
    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

  53. #53
    Grace (CA)atSouthern Utah
    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

  54. #54
    StantonatBakersfield
    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

  55. #55
    La SierraatPepperdine
    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

  56. #56
    Cal PolyatArizona
    CBB· truTVOne-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 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40) = 0

  57. #57
    JacksonvilleatFlorida
    CBB· SECN+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 0.66 (pre-game Watchability 31) = 0

  58. #58
    CoastalatDuke
    CBB· ACC NetworkOne-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 0.65 (pre-game Watchability 31) = 0

  59. #59
    MerceratVirginia Tech
    CBB· ACCNXOne-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 0.62 (pre-game Watchability 24) = 0

  60. #60
    BellarmineatIndiana
    CBB· PeacockOne-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 0.57 (pre-game Watchability 14) = 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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