Temasek Polytechnic, Tuesday, 13 January 2009 – It was one of the most drawn out volleyball matches of the season, but Nanyang Technological University (NTU) still gained the upper hand against National University of Singapore (NUS).

NTU started out strong in the first set with its core group of spikers. However, NUS was never far behind with their own impressive pool of attackers. As NUS's Jeremy Tan attacked an unguarded area of the opponent's, scoring a point. The score was now at 19-24, led by NTU.

Finally, at the NTU side, Foo Bing Guang passed the ball to Tay Meow Win who spiked the ball to the other side, winning the set for his team. The first set ends at 20-25, led by NTU.

The second set started with NUS increasing the offense. One of their more outstanding players would be Nicholas Lee, who was in charge of executing the kill. Most of his spikes were hard to return.

NUS had the lead in this set, finishing at 25-21.

The third set saw NTU having a change in strategy. Focusing on blocking, NTU placed more players near the net. NTU players, Yeo Kok How and Lin Ting Long were able to attack block NUS's spikes, giving NTU the advantage.

Despite NUS's best efforts, the set ended at 20-25, led by NTU.

NUS showed a strong start in the fourth set, up three points at 7-4, but NTU managed to catch up with 14-14.

With blocking techniques and offensive attacks by NTU's Hariharan, NTU won their third set in one of the longest matches with the score 21-25.

Marcus Tan, captain for NTU volleyball, remarks, “It was a hard-fought match. We did what we had to do, in terms of blocking. I think we won because of our strength in blocking. Honestly since the game so close, it was quite a nerve wrecking for us.”

Yak Zheng Qiang, captain for NUS says, “I feel that the match was played very well, both sides more or less evenly matched and all players played with much passion and skills."

"Though losing the match and not being able to qualify for the next round (it was a decider for the last spot in the group for the semis), I totally enjoyed myself with the rest of my teammates out there."

"NTU made lesser mistakes throughout the match and went into good starts for the sets they won.”