FAIRFIELD – Police had to be called to Lawrence High School after an on-court brawl involving dozens of players and fans put an end to a high school basketball game.

Police say Lawrence was leading Lewiston High School 45-35 near the end of the third quarter Friday night when players from both teams got into it following some tussling on the court.

Fans then spilled out of the stands, and police estimate that 35 to 50 people in total were involved in the melee.

Fairfield police Officer Casey Dugas called for backup, with three Fairfield officers, two Kennebec County sheriff’s deputies and a Waterville officer coming to the gym.

Lawrence Coach Mike McGee said it was as ugly and sad a scene as he’s witnessed in his 27 years of coaching. The game was forfeited to Lawrence, and no arrests were made.