Superfans will not be deterred from streaming NCAA Tournament games at work, but they will still have to exercise some judgment.
Good thing there’s an app for that.
Thuuz takes into account six signals to measure the excitement level of games, and notifies users when the action is heating up so that they know to tune in. The six signals are:
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- Pace: measures energy level of a game using metrics such as aggregate points per minute/shots per minute, among other things
- Parity: comparison metrics include time of possession, shot differential, score, etc
- Novelty: measure of uniqueness/unique events – things like inside-the-park home runs, double and triple plays, blocked punts etc.
- Momentum: measure of dominance of one team over another from one period of time to another
- Context: takes into account the rivalry between teams or players, impact of a game on the playoff picture, etc
- Social Buzz:measures the amount of social chatter surrounding a game in comparison to the standard level of buzz that takes place in similar game situations
The signals produce a ‘dynamic excitement rating’ on a zero to 100 scale with 50 being the baseline. Fans don’t necessarily want to know about every game, and so the app generates four different excitement ratings: one for the home team fan, one for the visiting team fan, one for the neutral fan, and one for the general fan.
The 2013 Michigan-Kansas Sweet 16 game was, according to Thuuz, the most exciting since 2012. Below, a snapshot of how the excitement level trended throughout that game followed by a list of the Top 10 most exciting games since 2012:
1. March 29, 2013 4. Michigan 87 vs. 1. Kansas 85 (Sweet 16)
Michigan overcame a 14 point 2nd half deficit to win 87-85 in overtime. Trey Burke led the way for Michigan with 23 points, scoring all of them in the 2nd half and in OT. Ben McLemore had 20 points for Kansas in its losing effort. 2013 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen #4 Michigan vs. #1 Kansas
2. March 23, 2014 8. Kentucky 78 vs 1. Wichita St. 76 (Round of 32)
Kentucky ends Wichita’s magical run in the Round of 32. VanVleet misses the winning shot at the buzzer that could have prolonged the Schockers perfect season. Andrew Harrison had 20 points and Aaron Harrison added 19 in Kentucky’s 78-76 victory. Kentucky vs Wichita State Full Highlights 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament
3. March 30, 2014 8. Kentucky 75 vs. 2. Michigan 72 (Elite 8)
Kentucky ends Michigan’s bid to return to the Final 4 for a 2nd straight year with a thrilling 75-72 win. Aaron Harrison hits the game winning 3 with 2.3 seconds left on the clock to send Kentucky to the Final Four. Kentucky’s Julius Randle logged a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Kentucky vs Michigan Elite Eight 3/30/14
4. April 6, 2013 9. Wichita St. 68 vs. 1. Louisville 72 (Final Four)
Russ Smith had 21 points for Louisville, rallying from a 12 point 2nd half deficit to advance to the Final. Kevin Ware’s injury in the previous game helped Louisville play inspiring basketball with Luke Hancock adding 20 points off the bench. The Cardinals stout defense was too much for the Shockers, ending its Cinderella story. Louisville vs. Wichita State 4-6-13
5. March 23, 2014 10. Stanford 60 vs. 2. Kansas 57 (Round of 32)
Cardinal with the huge upset in the 2nd round, sending Wiggins and Kansas packing. Wiggins was just 1 for 6 as the Cardinal defense bothered him all game. Powell led the way for Stanford with 15 points and 7 rebounds. MBB // Stanford vs Kansas // 3.23.14
6. March 21, 2014 14. Mercer 78 vs. 3. Duke 71 (Round of 64)
Duke’s 15 3s, a season high, were not enough to overcome the Bears’ “Dunk City” offense. Jake Gollon scored 20 & Daniel Coursey added 17 in Mercer’s huge 1st round upset. Duke failed to hold a 5 point lead with 4:52 left as the Bears came roaring back to win 78-71. NCAA – Mercer vs. Duke Highlights
7. March 30, 2013 9. Wichita St. 70 vs. 2. Ohio St. 66 (Elite 8)
Wichita St. pulls the amazing upset to send it to its 1st Final Four since 1965. Malcolm Armstead led the way with 14 points for the Shockers. Wichita almost dropped a 20 point lead, but late heroics from VanVleet secured Wichita St’s Final Four berth. Wichita State 2013 NCAA Tournament Highlights
8. March 28, 2014 11. Tennessee: 71 vs. 2. Michigan: 73 (Sweet 16)
Michigan survives after almost giving up a late 15 point lead. A tough charge call on the Volunteers’ Stokes with 6 seconds left secured the late win for Michigan. Jordan Morgan lead the way with 15 points for Michigan. Tennessee vs. Michigan Highlights Sweet 16 (3/28/14)
9. March 20, 2014 13. New Mexico St. 69 vs. 4. San Diego St. 73 (Round of 64)
Aztecs hold on to win a close one after failing to hold on to a 14 point lead. 7’5” Sim Bhullar did his best to keep New Mexico St. in the game, but early foul trouble kept him on the bench for most of the first half. Xavier Thames had 23 points for San Diego St. in its 73-69 overtime victory. SDSU MEN’S HOOPS: AZTECS 73, NEW MEXICO STATE 69 (NCAA WEST REGION) – 3/20/14
10. March 13, 2012 14. Iona 72 vs. 14. BYU 78 (Play In)
BYU rallies from a 25 point hole to complete the improbable 1st round comeback. Noah Hartsock score 16 of his 23 points after the break to help bring BYU back from the depths. Iona scored just 17 points in the 2nd after netting 55 in the 1st. NCAA – Scott Machado Highilights against BYU 2012