The Jiangsu Dragons Kentier secured a hard-fought 78-72 victory over the Jilin Northeast Tigers in Chinese Basketball Association action on Friday. In a defensive struggle, the Dragons used a strong fourth-quarter performance to pull away from a persistent Jilin side and claim an important win for their postseason aspirations. The game was a low-scoring grind from the outset, with both teams struggling from beyond the arc. Jilin held a narrow lead at halftime, thanks to their effective interior play. The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Jiangsu tightened their defense, forcing a series of shot-clock violations and poor shots from the Tigers. The key sequence came midway through the final period when Jiangsu went on an 8-0 run, capped by a steal and fast-break dunk that energized the home crowd and gave them a lead they would not relinquish. Jilin had several opportunities to cut the deficit in the final minutes but missed critical free throws. Jiangsu's center was a dominant force on both ends, recording multiple blocks and anchoring the paint. This result provides a vital boost for Jiangsu in the crowded middle of the league table, while Jilin's playoff hopes take a hit with the road loss. After the game, the Jiangsu coach highlighted his team's defensive intensity as the key to victory, and the Jilin coach pointed to offensive inefficiency as their downfall. The starting fives saw Jiangsu's veteran guard leading the charge against Jilin's high-scoring import.