The NCAA selection committee considers dozens of metrics and several power rankings when determining which 68 teams compete in March Madness. But this season, one factor that won’t be included could determine whether Utah State earns a bid to the Big Dance: the basketball.

The Mountain West Conference, which includes Utah State, this season partnered with sports technology company ShotTracker to provide its teams with “smart” sensor-embedded basketballs. The five-year partnership is intended to give teams access to advanced...