The matchup originated as a supplementary event at the Birmingham–Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) for Auburn fans in Birmingham on the night before the Iron Bowl football game was played at Legion Field,[1] and was initially characterized as a "friendly cage rivalry".

The 1997 and 1998 editions of the rivalry were played in the Holiday Hardwood Classic at the BJCC as part of a doubleheader with Alabama.

In the lead-up to the 1996 matchup, The Anniston Star reported that various "subplots" added "a touch of drama" to the Auburn–UAB rivalry.

[6] That year, Auburn senior Wes Flanigan, an all-SEC point guard whose battle with cancer had received national media attention, was playing his first game since his diagnosis.

[13] Carrying a #8 ranking into the 2018 matchup, Auburn managed to survive a scare from UAB in overtime at Legacy Arena, 75–71, completing the series sweep against the Blazers.