Swanson: Near-perfect Lauren Betts, UCLA roll into the Elite Eight

SPOKANE, Wash. — Now it’s a Sweet 16.

With its 76-62 victory over Ole Miss on Friday night at Spokane Arena, the UCLA women’s basketball team rinsed the sour taste from losing in the NCAA Tournament’s regional semifinal round each of the previous two seasons – both times to defending national champions.

After knocking, knocking, these Bruins broke through to the Elite Eight with one of their patented third-quarter blitzes.

Also, UCLA has Lauren Betts. And no one else does.