The Aces have good start at the eliminations of the first conference, Philippine Cup,[1] but lost to the eventual champions Sta. Lucia Realtors in the semifinals. Alaska only led once in the series (a Game 1 blowout win),[2] and Sta. Lucia blowout the Aces in Game 2.[3][4] Due to a 27-point explosion of Kelly Williams, Realtors won and led the series 2–1.[5] Alaska won in Game 4 in 90–83, even they lead more than 26 points and the Realtors cut the lead to 2. Reigning MVPWillie Miller converted three-pointers when the Sta. Lucia came close as he matched Williams' Game 3 output of 27 points to lead all scorers.[6] In Game 5, what happened to the Realtors in Game 4 was happened to the Aces, as a comeback led by John Ferriols and sophomore Aaron Aban cut the lead to 2, but Jeffrey Cariaso was ejected from the game after he was assessed with two technical fouls that led to a cold period between the two teams in the final 6 minutes. With the score unchanged, Willie Miller converted a three-point play to tie at 90-all but the Realtors then scored the last 5 points of the game to put them one step closer to their first All-Filipino conference Finals stint.[7] Even they won the Game 6, thanks to a Miller and Tony dela Cruz each scoring more 20 points with 4 others reaching double figures,[8] they lost in Game 7 due to a with Denok Miranda nailed three-point shots that put the game out reach.[9]
In 2008 Fiesta Conference, the Aces won some of their final games, notably one of them against Coca-Cola Tigers,[10] but eliminated again by Sta. Lucia in the Wildcard round, 99–86.[11]
