The negotiators hired by the conferences — the Pac-12 has retained Octagon; the Mountain West is using Endeavor — will use every data point available to better their position. But network executives take a multi-year view of the ratings generated by specific teams and leagues.

Xavier and Indiana had chances to give their NCAA Tournament resumes a significant boost. But the Musketeers lost 89-87 to Marquette, and Indiana fell 72-59 to Oregon.

San Diego State has been slumping at the end of the season, but it should be getting one of its best players back for the NCAA Tournament.